louisiana style red beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best louisiana style red beans recipe

I’ve always loved Louisiana-style red beans, and my family does too. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The recipe comes from the heart of Louisiana, where it’s been a staple for generations.

The key to making great red beans is to use the right ingredients and to cook them low and slow, so the flavors can meld together and the beans can absorb all the goodness. I like to make my red beans with smoked sausage and pork, which gives them a rich, meaty flavor. My kids love them because they’re easy to eat and fun to slurp.

We often have red beans on Fridays, which is a tradition in many Louisiana households. It’s a great way to end the week and start the weekend feeling full and satisfied. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later.

It’s also very versatile – you can serve it with rice, bread, or even over eggs. My mom used to make red beans all the time when I was growing up, and now I carry on that tradition with my own family. I love how comforting it feels to sit down to a big pot of steaming hot red beans on a cold winter day.

They’re also very good for you – they’re high in fiber and protein, and low in calories. All in all, Louisiana-style red beans are a classic recipe that never goes out of style.

Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice

4.7 from 837 votes

A classic Louisiana dish featuring red beans, smoked sausage, and a blend of spices served over fluffy rice. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hrs 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Red Beans

1 lb 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
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
6 cups water

For the Rice

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the red beans and pick out any debris or stones.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water.
3Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
6Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
9Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
10Add the diced ham hock and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
11Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
12Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add the drained red beans and water to the pot.
14Stir well to combine.
15Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
16Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.
5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
17Add more water if necessary to keep the beans from drying out.
18While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice.
19Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
20In a rice cooker or medium pot, combine the rice, water, and salt.
21Bring to a boil over high heat.
22Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
23Fluff with a fork and set aside.
24Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock and discard.
25Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
26Serve the red beans over a bed of fluffy rice.
27Enjoy the classic Louisiana flavors.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Knife
Rice cooker or medium pot

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

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

This Louisiana-style red beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need a quick weeknight meal. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – you can refrigerate it for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months.

To reheat, simply sauté some onions and garlic in a bit of oil until softened, then add in your cooked red beans along with some broth or water until heated through. Serve over rice or with some crusty bread for dipping – either way is delicious!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice

Q: What kind of sausage should I use in this recipe?

For traditional Louisiana-style red beans, you want to use smoked sausage like Andouille or kielbasa. This gives the dish its distinctive flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use canned red kidney beans instead of dried?

While canned beans are convenient, they don’t have the same depth of flavor as dried beans. If you do choose to use canned beans, make sure they’re drained and rinsed before adding them to the pot.

Q: How long do I need to cook the red beans?

The longer you cook the red beans, the more tender they’ll be. Aim for at least an hour of cooking time, but you can also cook them overnight on low heat.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Sure! Some people like to add diced ham or bacon for extra smokiness, while others prefer to add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions.

Q: Do I need to soak the dried beans before cooking them?

Nope! While soaking your dried beans can help reduce cooking time, it’s not necessary if you’re using a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

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