If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal that's also budget-friendly, look no further than this classic Southern dish - Red Beans and Rice! This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hot cooked rice, for serving
To start, soak the red beans overnight or use the quick soak method. In a large pot, sauté the sausage until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened. Add in the chicken broth, beans, and seasonings. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 2-3 hours or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and use a potato masher to partially mash the beans, leaving some whole for texture. Add in the reserved sausage and let it heat through. Serve the red beans and sausage over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
This Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic Southern dish that is both satisfying and comforting. It's also simple to make and can be customized to your liking. So, make a big pot and enjoy it all week long!
