Name: Cozy Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced ¼-inch thick; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15-ounce) cans small red beans, rinsed and drained; 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 bay leaves; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional); Cooked long-grain white rice, for serving

Description

Unlock the secret to incredibly creamy and flavorful Red Beans and Rice, perfectly complemented by savory smoked sausage. This easy-to-follow recipe brings soulful Southern comfort right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced ¼-inch thick
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans small red beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 bay leaves
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Cooked long-grain white rice, for serving

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving rendered fat in the pot.
Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add rinsed red beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor and creamier beans. Stir occasionally. Halfway through simmering, stir in the reserved browned sausage. Add a splash of extra broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick.
Once beans are tender and creamy, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For extra creaminess, mash some beans against the side of the pot.
Serve hot over freshly cooked long-grain white rice, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins