CAJUN RED BEANS AND RICE

Prep time: 15 mins 
Cook time: 2 hours 
Total time: 2 hours 15 mins 
Serves: 6 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb dried red beans, rinsed and soaked overnight 
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
• 1 medium onion, chopped 
• 1 bell pepper, chopped 
• 3 celery stalks, chopped 
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced 
• 2 bay leaves 
• 1 teaspoon thyme 
• 1 teaspoon paprika 
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 
• 6 cups chicken broth 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Cooked white rice (for serving) 
• Chopped green onions (for garnish) 

Instructions: 

Prepare the Beans: 
If you haven’t already, soak the red beans overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain before cooking. 

Cook the Vegetables: 
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften. 

Brown the Sausage: 
Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. 

Add Spices and Beans: 
Stir in the thyme, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the soaked red beans and bay leaves to the pot. 

Simmer: 
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. 

Mash and Season: 
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and use a potato masher to mash about half of the beans, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Serve: 
Spoon the red beans over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with cornbread on the side if desired. 

Notes: 

For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the beans or as a topping. 

You can also substitute the smoked sausage for ham or pork belly for a different flavor. 

This dish is full of bold flavors and is perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy the comforting goodness of Cajun cuisine right at home!  

For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the beans or as a topping. 

You can also substitute the smoked sausage for ham or pork belly for a different flavor. 

This dish is full of bold flavors and is perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy the comforting goodness of Cajun cuisine right at home!