Description
Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice is a hearty dish that celebrates Cajun culture and community, featuring creamy red beans, smoky sausage, and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1pound dried red kidney beans
- ½pound bacon (diced)
- 1pound andouille or smoked sausage (sliced)
- 1 ½ cupsdiced onions (about2medium onions)
- 1 cupdiced celery (2–3stalks)
- 1 cupdiced green bell pepper (1large bell pepper)
- 4cloves garlic (minced)
- 10 cupschicken stock
- ¼–½pound smoked ham (diced)
- 2 teaspoonsdried oregano
- 1 teaspoondried thyme
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cupthinly sliced green onion shoots (divided)
- ¼ cupfinely chopped fresh parsley (divided)
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add the sliced sausage to the pot and sear until browned on both sides.
- Add diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return bacon and sausage to the pot, add soaked beans, chicken stock, diced ham, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let it cook uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the rice by rinsing it under cold water, then cooking it in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
- Once beans are tender, stir in remaining green onions and parsley, and serve over rice.
Notes
Soak beans overnight for best results.
Use quality ingredients for enhanced flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This dish tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 60-65g
- Protein: 20-25g