Name: Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 12 h 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 15 h 15 min
Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound dry kidney beans; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 6 cups water (for beans); 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon dried sage; 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced; 4 cups water; 2 cups long grain white rice

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a hearty, comforting dish packed with deep flavors from spices, vegetables, and smoky andouille sausage. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this classic Southern recipe brings warmth and tradition to your table.

A gray bowl holds a two-layer dish on a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is white fluffy rice, and the top layer is a thick stew with reddish-brown beans and round sausage slices, sprinkled with chopped green onions. A black fork held by a woman's hand scoops some stew and rice from the bowl. The setting includes a white bowl and onion at the top corners and a bunch of green parsley on the right side, with a white cloth with blue stripes on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound dry kidney beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
6 cups water (for cooking beans)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups water (for cooking rice)
2 cups long grain white rice

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the kidney beans thoroughly, then soak them in a large pot of water overnight to soften.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot with 6 cups of water. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, bay leaves, dried parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and sage.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the sliced andouille sausage to the beans and continue simmering for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: While the beans cook, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Step 7: Serve the seasoned red beans over the steamed white rice for a classic and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the pot as they cook.
Substitute smoked sausage for andouille if unavailable, but keep the smoky flavor.
Add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
Use chicken stock instead of water for a richer depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover red beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the beans.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. It has two main layers side by side: on the left, there is a pile of plain white rice with fluffy texture, and on the right, a thick layer of dark reddish-brown beans mixed with round slices of sausage and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the bean and sausage mixture. The food looks rich and hearty with a mix of soft and chunky textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?

Yes, canned beans can be used to save time. Drain and rinse them, then add in step 4; reduce simmering time accordingly as canned beans are already cooked.

Is soaking the beans overnight necessary?

Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, but if short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before cooking.