Here’s the full recipe for Red Beans & Rice:
Ingredients:
- 4 cans red beans, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional, can rinse for clearer broth)
- 12 ounces andouille sausage or smoked sausage, diced
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (you can use Zatarans crab and shrimp boil oil or any hot sauce of your choice)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- Add the diced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the rinsed red beans, diced tomatoes (if using), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaves (if using), thyme, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add some water to achieve your desired consistency.
- While the beans are simmering, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- Once the beans are heated through and the flavors have melded, remove the bay leaves (if used).
- Serve the red beans over cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious Red Beans & Rice!
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!
Sure, here are some common questions and their answers related to Red Beans & Rice:
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans? A: Yes, you can use dried beans, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I substitute the andouille sausage with another type of sausage? A: Yes, you can use any type of smoked sausage or even ham hocks for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for added flavor.
Q: How long does this dish keep in the fridge? A: Red Beans & Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Red Beans & Rice? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with Red Beans & Rice? A: Traditional accompaniments include cornbread, sliced green onions, hot sauce, and a side of coleslaw. You can also serve it with a salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
These are just a few common questions, but feel free to ask if you have any more!