Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Creole dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Made with red kidney beans, vegetables, and spices, this dish is a staple in Louisiana cuisine. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice from scratch, so you can enjoy a taste of the Bayou in your own home.

Ingredients for Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

For the Red Beans:

• 1 pound dried red kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• Salt, to taste

For Serving:

• Green onions, chopped
• Hot sauce
• Cooked Andouille sausage, sliced (optional)

How to Make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Red Beans

1. Rinse the red kidney beans under cold water and remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Add the rinsed red kidney beans and water or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Add more water or broth as needed to keep the beans covered.
5. Season the beans with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 3: Serve the Red Beans and Rice

1. Remove the bay leaf from the red beans.
2. To serve, spoon the red beans over the rice.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with hot sauce and sliced Andouille sausage, if desired.

About the Main Ingredients

Red Kidney Beans

Red kidney beans are a good source of protein and fiber. They add a hearty texture and rich flavor to the dish.

Vegetables

Onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic are known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun and Creole cuisine. They add a depth of flavor to the dish.

Spices

Thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf add a warm and spicy flavor to the red beans.

Rice

Long-grain white rice is a staple in Louisiana cooking. It serves as a fluffy and neutral base for the flavorful red beans.