Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana with Sally's Red Beans and Rice - a mouthwatering Cajun classic that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This soul-warming dish isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines rich, creamy red beans, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked rice into one irresistible comfort food experience. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises to deliver authentic Cajun flavor that'll make you feel like you're dining right in New Orleans.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Red beans
- Rice
- Sausage
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly and sort out any damaged or discolored beans.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, soak the red beans in cold water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours before cooking.
- Drain the soaked beans and set aside.
- Dice the onion, bell pepper, and slice the sausage into thin rounds.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Brown the sausage slices until they develop a golden color and release their oils, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the soaked red beans back to the pot along with enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Add bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer slowly, stirring occasionally.
- After about 45 minutes, add the browned sausage back into the pot.
- Continue cooking until beans are tender and creamy, approximately 1 hour total.
- Prepare the rice separately according to package instructions.
- Once beans are fully cooked, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the red beans hot over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Tips
- Soaking is crucial: Always soak your red beans overnight to ensure even cooking and better digestibility.
- Choose the right sausage: Andouille sausage is traditional, but any smoked sausage will add delicious depth to your dish.
- Low and slow is the key: Simmer the beans gently to achieve that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't rush the cooking process: Patience is essential for developing rich, complex flavors.
- Season in layers: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Make extra: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick of spice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
