Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is the definition of comfort food just like grandma’s. It is made with small red beans and andouille sausage. This Southern staple makes for a perfect side or a meal by itself.

I don’t know when red beans and rice isn’t a good thing. I have always loved them and one of my favorite parts about making them is how much I could make especially on a budget. Right after college this used to be one of my go to meals not only because it was relatively easy to make but it was very tasty. It is also a great idea for those that like to meal prep as it makes a bunch and it reheats well.

In this recipe

One of the reasons that I have always liked this dish is that almost everything in it is already in your kitchen and pantry. Also, it is a very cost-effective way to feed a group of people.

Trinity: this is the Southern version of mirepoix. It is a combination of onion, celery, and green peppers.

Andouille sausage: is normally the protein added to red beans and rice. If you want to make a vegetarian version then remove this and switch to vegetable stock.

Red beans: the main star of the dish and if you buy them dried then allow time for soaking. See some of my soaking tips below.

Ingredients for red beans and rice on a wooden cutting board
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Red Beans vs Kidney Beans

When you go to the store you might see red kidney beans or even dark and light red kidney beans. These are going to differ from red beans. While they are both similar kidney beans are larger and will normally come in a dark and light red color. Red beans are smaller and have a nuttier flavor. Red beans also retain their flavor better than kidney beans that will start to take on the flavors they are cooked in. They are also denser than kidney beans once cooked.

Soaking red beans
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Trinity
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Andouille sausage in a Dutch oven
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Cooked sausage in a Dutch oven
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Canned vs Dried Beans

When I make red beans and rice I prefer to use dried beans and soak them instead of use canned beans. Canned beans are great in a pinch because you don’t have to take the time to soak them like you would dried beans. I do think that canned beans will have a slightly different flavor due to how they are processed. If you use the canned version also make sure to rinse them off well.

Trinity in a Dutch oven
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Cooked trinity with seasoning in a Dutch oven
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red beans and broth in a Dutch oven
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Cooked red beans in a Dutch oven
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Soaking Red Beans

One of the biggest steps in making any dish with beans in it is to allow them to soak. This will cause them to double in size as they absorb water but also will shorten cooking time and give you a nice, tender bean. You would normally do this buy placing the beans in a large bowl of water and letting them soak for about 8 hours or overnight. If you are in a pinch you can bring a large pot of water to boil, add the beans and let boil for 2 minutes, cover and remove from the heat, and allow to soak for at least 1 hour.

Two bowls of red beans and rice
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Thickening Red Beans and Rice

This is completely optional as some people like their red beans closer to a gravy and others like all of the beans still whole. If you want to thicken your red beans to a more gravy like consistency you can do one of two options, I tend to use the second. Either you can smash the beans, not all of them, on the sides of the pot to release the starch inside, or you can use an immersion blender and pulse it in the red beans a few times in the same place to release the starch. The more red beans you crush the thicker your end result will be.

A serving of red beans and rice in a white bowl
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Looking for other Southern recipes?

A bowl of red beans and rice
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Red Beans and Rice

Sean
A classic Southern dish. Red beans and andouille sausage served over a bed of white rice.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Soaking time 8 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 servings
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Colander
  • Slotted spoon
  • Spoon
  • Bowl

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1½ cups white rice

Red beans

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound red beans dry
  • 2 cups onion diced
  • 2 cups green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups celery diced, about 3-4 stalks
  • 14 ounces andouille sausage sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil other flavor neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • ½ tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

Soaking the beans

  • Place the red beans in a large bowl and cover with 3 inches of salty water and let soak for 8 hours. If soaking overnight place in the refrigerator.

Making red beans

  • Drain the red beans.
  • In a Dutch oven or soup pot heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the sausage rounds to the hot oil. Cook the sausage until brown, about 5 minutes, and using a slotted spoon place into a bowl and set aside.
  • Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery and cook until soft and the onions are translucent. About 7 minutes.
  • Add the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the stock, water, bay leaves and red beans. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to medium low. Cook for 60 minutes stirring in 15 minute increments.
  • Using a spoon smash some of the red beans against the side. You can also use an immersion blender and pulse 3-5 times in the same location. Add the sausage and cook for another 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.

Making the rice

  • While the beans and sausage are cooking prepare the 1½ cups rice according to package instructions.
  • Serve the red beans on top of the rice garish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 20gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 625mgPotassium: 770mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 722IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 3mg
Nutrition Disclaimer*
Keyword Andouille, Red Beans, Rice, Southern
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red beans and rice pinterest pin
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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