Description
Experience the soulful flavors of Louisiana with this classic Red Beans and Rice recipe. Creamy red kidney beans, simmered with andouille sausage and smoked turkey, create a hearty and satisfying dish that embodies the spirit of New Orleans.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb dried red kidney beans (Camellia brand preferred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or duck fat/bacon grease)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery hearts, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 1/2 lbs smoked turkey wings or ham hocks
- 3 bay leaves
- 8–10 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Steamed long-grain white rice, for serving
- Louisiana-style hot sauce & fresh chopped chives/parsley/scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Red Beans:
- Sort and soak beans overnight (or use fast soak method).
- Drain beans.
- Brown Andouille:
- Heat butter and oil in a large pot.
- Cook andouille until browned, set aside.
- Sauté Holy Trinity:
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Cook until tender.
- Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Add Beans & Build Flavor:
- Add beans, smoked meat, andouille, bay leaves, 8 cups broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Low Simmer:
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add more broth if needed.
- Shred Smoked Meat:
- Remove smoked meat, let cool, and shred.
- Discard skin, bones, and fat.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Return shredded meat to the pot.
- Finish Red Beans:
- Mash some beans with a potato masher.
- Season with Creole Cajun seasoning and black pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve:
- Ladle beans into bowls.
- Top with white rice.
- Garnish with hot sauce and herbs (optional).
Notes
- Read the blog post for additional tips and tricks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
