Description
A comforting, hearty dish featuring tender beans, spices, and rice, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried red beans (or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before using.
- Heat a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the soaked beans (or canned beans), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 90 to 120 minutes if using dried beans. If using canned beans, simmer for 30-45 minutes, until heated through and flavors blend.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the bean mixture over hot cooked rice.
Notes
Dried beans give a deeper flavor and texture, but canned beans save time. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or tempeh. Fresh ingredients always enhance flavor; use fresh veggies whenever possible.