Red Beans Recipe

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Learn how to make this delicious, quick red beans recipe

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: red bean recipe, red beans

Author: Brandon Patrickson

Ingredients

red kidney beans
ham or sausage
onions
garlic
long-grain white rice

Instructions

Before cooking red beans and rice, it is important to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture. Rinse the beans and remove any debris or stones. Soak the beans in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Add salt and refrigerate overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
The meat used in red beans and rice is typically smoked andouille sausage, tasso, or pickled pork. Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces and brown in a large pot or Dutch oven. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. If using tasso or pickled pork, sauté it in the pot until browned and set aside.
The "holy trinity" of vegetables - onions, celery, and green bell peppers - is a key ingredient in red beans and rice. Sauté the vegetables in the same pot used for the sausage or pork until softened. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme and cook for an additional minute. Return the sausage or pork to the pot and add the soaked beans, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice. Long grain white rice or jasmine rice are both good options. Rinse the rice and add it to a pot with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Red beans and rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you make the most of this classic dish.

As a Main Dish

Red beans and rice can be served as a standalone main dish. Simply ladle the beans and rice into bowls and serve with a side of cornbread. The cornbread can be used to sop up any remaining sauce or to add a bit of texture to the dish.

As a Side Dish

Red beans and rice can also be served as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, pork chops, or sausage. To serve as a side dish, simply spoon a small amount of the beans and rice onto each plate alongside the main course.

Toppings and Garnishes

To add some extra flavor and texture to your red beans and rice, consider adding some toppings and garnishes. Sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can all be used to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Leftovers

Red beans and rice makes great leftovers. Store any remaining beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to three months.

In conclusion, red beans and rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, with cornbread or a variety of toppings, this classic Cajun dish is sure to please.