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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (Easy One-Pot)

A white bowl filled with rich, savory red beans and rice, featuring slices of smoked sausage.
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Create a soulful, comforting classic with this easy one-pot Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe. It features tender beans simmered with Andouille sausage and Creole seasonings for deep, satisfying flavor perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning blend (Cajun seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed red beans in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water by about two inches and soak overnight, or use a quick soak method (boil for 2 minutes, then let stand covered for 1 hour). Drain the beans before proceeding.
  2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the ‘holy trinity’). Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sliced Andouille sausage to the pot. Cook until the sausage begins to brown slightly, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Creole seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the drained red beans, chicken broth, water, and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
  7. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning as needed. For a creamier texture, mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot.
  8. Serve the red beans immediately over hot, fluffy white rice.

Notes

  • For a Copycat Popeye’s flavor, use a high-quality smoked sausage and increase the Creole seasoning slightly.
  • If you prefer a slow cooker method, combine all ingredients (except rice) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/one-pot-red-beans-and-rice-recipe/