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Cozy Red Beans and Rice Recipe Easy Hearty Spicy Dinner Idea

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A comforting and flavorful red beans and rice dish with smoky sausage and a spicy kick, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or quick-soaked if short on time)
  • 12 ounces (340g) andouille sausage, sliced (or smoked kielbasa as a budget-friendly alternative)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth, preferably low sodium (or vegetable broth for a lighter touch)
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (uncooked) long grain white rice (or brown rice for nuttier flavor and extra fiber)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak 1 pound (450g) dried red kidney beans overnight in plenty of cold water (about 8 cups/1.9 liters) to soften. If short on time, bring beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add 12 ounces (340g) sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, careful not to burn.
  4. Return sausage to the pot. Add soaked beans, 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer gently for 45-50 minutes or until beans are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. While beans simmer, prepare 2 cups (370g) uncooked long grain white rice according to package instructions (usually 1 part rice to 2 parts water). Fluff with a fork once done and keep warm.
  6. Once beans are tender, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. For a thicker consistency, mash a few beans against the pot’s side and stir.
  7. Spoon hot rice into bowls and ladle the spicy red beans and sausage on top. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

If beans aren’t softening, add a pinch of baking soda during soaking. Avoid vigorous boiling to prevent mushy beans. Use canned beans to save time but add them towards the end of cooking. For extra smoky heat, add a dash of hot sauce before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: red beans and rice, andouille sausage, spicy dinner, Cajun recipe, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, hearty dinner

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cozy-red-beans-and-rice-recipe-easy-hearty-spicy-dinner-idea/