Authentic Louisiana Red Beans Rice (Print-Friendly Version)

Classic Cajun flavors with smoky sausage, tender beans, and fragrant rice for Southern comfort.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound dry kidney beans
02 - 1/4 cup olive oil
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 2 stalks celery, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons minced garlic
07 - 6 cups water
08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - 1 tablespoon dried parsley
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
14 - 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced

→ Rice

15 - 4 cups water
16 - 2 cups long grain white rice

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the kidney beans thoroughly. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Allow beans to soak overnight.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Drain and rinse soaked beans. Transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Add sautéed vegetables, bay leaves, dried parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and dried sage. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
04 - Stir the sliced andouille sausage into the simmering beans. Continue cooking for 30 minutes until flavors meld and beans are tender.
05 - In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Stir in long grain white rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
06 - Spoon hot rice onto serving plates and top generously with red beans and sausage. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For a creamier texture, mash some beans against the side of the pot during the last 30 minutes of simmering.