Description
A straightforward recipe for classic red beans and rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Place the soaked and drained beans in a large pot with the water or broth. Add the ham hock or sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until beans are tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes.
- While the beans simmer, heat the olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Remove the ham hock or sausage from the bean pot. If using sausage, slice it and return it to the pot. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Stir the cooked vegetable mixture, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the beans.
- Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has thickened slightly. Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to help thicken the mixture further if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve the red beans over the cooked white rice.
Notes
- For faster cooking, you can use canned red beans. Drain and rinse two 15-ounce cans of beans and add them during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- If you do not have smoked meat, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hr 15 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American (Creole/Cajun)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups with rice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 75
- Fiber: 18
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 30
Keywords: red beans and rice, kidney beans, smoked sausage, creole, cajun, southern food