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Red Beans and Rice

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A classic comfort dish of tender red beans simmered with spices and served over fluffy rice. This hearty, budget-friendly meal is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dried red beans (or 3 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak overnight, then drain and rinse.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add sliced sausage if using, and cook until lightly browned.
  5. Stir in beans, broth or water, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender and mixture thickens.
  7. Cook rice according to package instructions.
  8. Mash a portion of the beans to thicken, adjust seasoning, and serve over rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use canned beans to reduce cooking time significantly.
  • Omit sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add ham, bacon, or smoked turkey for extra flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.
  • Store leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Add extra broth when reheating if the mixture becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/red-beans-and-rice-2/