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Cajun Cooking

Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

November 3, 2025

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Beans:
    Rinse and sort the red beans, removing any debris. Place beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Cook the Sausage:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the Seasonings and Beans:
    Return the sausage to the pot. Add the drained beans, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if using), bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer the Beans:
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the mixture thickens. If needed, mash some beans against the pot’s side to create a creamier texture.
  6. Adjust Seasoning:
    Remove bay leaves. Stir in hot sauce if desired and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    Spoon cooked white rice into bowls and ladle red beans over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced green onions.

Chef’s Tip:

For extra depth of flavor, use smoked turkey or beef sausage. The longer you let the beans simmer, the richer and creamier they’ll get — just like authentic New Orleans-style red beans!