Description
Red beans and rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy red kidney beans with aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and tender rice. This hearty dish brings warmth and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, you’ll find yourself craving this classic meal again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 oz smoked sausage (optional), sliced
Instructions
- Soak red kidney beans in water overnight; drain before cooking.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
- If using smoked sausage, add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Serve hot over fluffy white rice with plenty of sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg