Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

1 pound dried red beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

Soak the Beans: Rinse the red beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and soak overnight.

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Simmer the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them back in the pot with 6 cups of fresh water. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, bay leaves, cayenne, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Add the Sausage: Stir in the sliced andouille sausage during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Continue simmering until the beans are tender and creamy.

Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve the beans over cooked white rice.

Tips for the Best Red Beans and Rice