louisiana red beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best louisiana red beans recipe

I’ve been making this Louisiana red beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

It’s a classic dish that originated in the southern United States, where it’s been a staple for centuries.

The rich, velvety texture of the beans is achieved by slow-cooking them in a flavorful broth made with smoked meats, onions, and spices.

This recipe is a masterclass in home cooking technique, requiring patience and attention to detail to coax out the best flavors from the ingredients.

I love serving this dish on a cold winter day, when the aroma of slow-cooked beans wafts through the house and fills everyone’s stomach with anticipation.

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

4.8 from 915 votes

A classic Louisiana dish featuring red beans slowly simmered with spices and served over rice. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Red Beans

1 lb dried red beans
1 large onion
1 large bell pepper
2 stalks celery
4 cloves garlic
1 lb smoked sausage
1 ham hock
1 can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the red beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Place them in a large pot and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
5Drain and set aside.
6While the beans are simmering, finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery in a cutting board using a knife.
7This mixture is known as the holy trinity in Louisiana cooking.
Set aside.
8In the same large pot, add the sausage and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
9Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
10Do not discard the fat in the pot.
11Add the chopped holy trinity to the pot and cook in the sausage fat over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
12Stir frequently to prevent burning.
13Add the garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
14Stir frequently to prevent burning.
15Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
16Stir well to combine.
17Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
18Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the drained red beans and ham hock to the pot.
19Stir well to combine.
20Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
21The beans should be tender and the liquid should have thickened.
22While the beans are simmering, prepare the rice.
23Rinse the rice under cold water and pick out any debris.
24Place the rice, water, and salt in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
25Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
26Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
27Fluff with a fork and set aside.
28Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock and shred the meat using two forks.
29Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well to combine.
30Add salt and pepper to taste.
31Serve the red beans over the cooked rice.
32Top with the cooked sausage and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add chopped green onions as a garnish before serving.

This Louisiana red beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as a side dish, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

What is the origin of Louisiana red beans?

This dish has its roots in African cuisine, where similar stews were made with beans and meat. It was brought to the southern United States by enslaved Africans, who adapted it to use ingredients available to them.

How long does it take to cook Louisiana red beans?

This recipe requires about 8 hours of cooking time, during which the beans are simmered in a flavorful broth made with smoked meats and spices.

Can I use canned red kidney beans instead of dried ones?

While canned beans can be convenient, they lack the depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooking dried beans. If you want the best results, use dried red kidney beans.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but be sure to check that your smoked meats are free from animal products if you’re cooking for vegans or vegetarians.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. However, be aware that cooking times may vary depending on your specific equipment and settings.

Similar Posts