Southern Red Beans and Rice

 

The Best Southern-Style Red Beans and Rice Comfort Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

 

Soak the dried red beans in water overnight. Rinse and drain before cooking.

 

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

 

Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

 

Add the soaked red beans, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaves, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir well.

 

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more water if needed during cooking.

 

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

 

Serve the red beans over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

 

Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6 servings