Save Red Beans & Rice is a timeless Creole comfort food that brings warmth and robust flavors to your table. This hearty dish combines tender red kidney beans simmered slowly with smoky sausage, savory ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Served over fluffy white rice, it's a satisfying meal that embodies the soulful cuisine of the American South, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Save This dish is not just food—it's a culinary tradition that brings people together. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to melt and marry, finishing with fresh garnishes that add brightness and a touch of heat. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, Red Beans & Rice never fails to deliver soul-warming satisfaction.
Ingredients
- Beans & Protein
1 pound (450 g) dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
12 ounces (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
1 ham hock or 4 ounces (115 g) diced smoked ham (optional) - Vegetables
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced - Liquids
6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups (480 ml) water - Seasonings
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Rice
3 cups (525 g) cooked long-grain white rice - Garnishes (optional)
Sliced green onions
Fresh parsley
Hot sauce
Instructions
- 1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- Set aside.
- 2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and ham (if using) and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 4. Return the sausage (and ham/hock) to the pot.
- Add the soaked beans, broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover partially and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy. Add more water if needed.
- 6. Remove the ham hock (if used), shred any meat, and return it to the pot.
- Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7. Serve hot over cooked rice.
- Garnish with green onions, parsley, and a splash of hot sauce if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra creaminess, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. If the beans seem too thick during cooking, feel free to add more water to reach your desired consistency. Preparing the beans overnight to soak helps reduce cooking time and ensures tenderness. Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and best results.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the sausage and ham. Add extra smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky depth typically contributed by the meat. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference, especially the cayenne pepper. You can also swap the kidney beans for red beans or other similar legumes based on availability.
Serviervorschläge
Serve Red Beans & Rice hot over fluffy long-grain white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and a splash of hot sauce to brighten the dish. It pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like cornbread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Save Red Beans & Rice is more than a recipe—it's a celebration of Creole tradition, perfect for any occasion that calls for warmth, comfort, and big flavors. Enjoy the process as the aromas fill your kitchen and the flavors meld into a dish that brings people together.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the beans be soaked before cooking?
Soak the dried red kidney beans overnight to soften them and reduce cooking time, ensuring even tenderness.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, omit the smoked sausage and ham, and add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for depth of flavor.
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the beans perfectly.
- → Is it necessary to remove the ham hock during cooking?
Yes, remove the ham hock once the beans are tender, shred any meat, and return it to the pot for texture and flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with this Creole meal?
Cornbread or a simple green salad complements the hearty beans and rice for a balanced plate.