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Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice

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Experience real New Orleans cuisine with this authentic Cajun red beans and rice recipe. The secret to its rich, creamy texture lies in the slow cooking process and the trinity of vegetables - onions, celery, and bell peppers. Three different meats - bacon, andouille sausage, and ham - create deep, complex flavors. While it takes time (including overnight bean soaking), most of it is hands-off, and the result is worth every minute. The beans get better with time, making this perfect for meal prep, and they freeze beautifully for up to 6 months. This is comfort food at its finest, just like you'd find in a New Orleans kitchen.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:58 GMT
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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice pin it
Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice | myhomemaderecipe.com

A taste of New Orleans comes alive in this authentic red beans and rice recipe, where creamy beans slowly simmer with smoky meats to create a dish that's both humble and extraordinary. This classic Monday tradition transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical through patient cooking and careful seasoning.

Growing up in Louisiana taught me that red beans and rice isn't just a meal - it's a weekly ritual. The secret lies in allowing the beans to cook until they create their own creamy sauce, enriched by smoky meats and aromatics.

Essential Ingredients

  • Dried Red Kidney Beans: Never substitute canned
  • Andouille Sausage: Provides authentic flavor
  • Holy Trinity: Onions, celery, bell pepper

Detailed Instructions

Bean Preparation (12 hours):
Sort beans for debris. Rinse thoroughly. Cover with cold water. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse again.
Meat and Vegetable Base (20 minutes):
Render bacon until crispy. Brown andouille in bacon fat. Sauté trinity until soft. Add garlic at end. Reserve meats.
Slow Cooking Process (2.5 hours):
Return meats to pot. Add soaked beans. Cover with stock. Maintain gentle simmer. Stir occasionally. Cook until creamy.
Final Development:
Smash some beans against pot. Adjust seasoning. Check consistency. Let rest briefly. Serve over hot rice.
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe pin it
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

This red beans and rice recipe represents the heart of New Orleans cooking - simple ingredients transformed through time and technique into something extraordinary. Whether served on traditional Monday or any other day, it brings authentic Cajun comfort to your table.

Seasoning and Serving Tips

  • Season gradually near end
  • Offer hot sauce at table
  • Serve with fresh rice

Storage and Reheating

  • Keep beans and rice separate
  • Store in airtight containers
  • Add liquid when reheating
  • Never freeze rice

Traditional Accompaniments

  • Hot French bread
  • Cold beer
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Fresh chopped parsley

This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe is more than just a meal - it's a piece of New Orleans culture. Made with patience and good ingredients, it delivers the authentic taste of Cajun comfort food. Whether you're honoring the Monday tradition or just craving something deeply satisfying, this recipe brings the spirit of New Orleans right to your kitchen.

Winter Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe pin it
Winter Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Remember: Good red beans, like good jazz, can't be rushed. They need time to develop their own unique rhythm and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I really need to soak the beans overnight?
Yes, soaking for 12-24 hours helps the beans cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavor actually improves after a day or two in the refrigerator.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 6 months in an airtight container.
→ What if my beans are too salty?
Add a quartered potato while simmering to absorb excess salt.
→ Can I use a ham hock instead of diced ham?
Yes, a smoked ham hock works great for flavoring the beans.

Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice

A true New Orleans classic featuring creamy red beans slowly cooked with andouille sausage, bacon, and ham, served over fluffy white rice.

Prep Time
735 Minutes
Cook Time
150 Minutes
Total Time
885 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound dried red kidney beans
02 ½ pound thick cut bacon, diced
03 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
04 ¼-½ pound smoked ham, diced

→ Vegetables

05 1½ cups diced onions (about 2 medium)
06 1 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks)
07 1 cup diced green bell pepper (1 large)
08 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 ½ cup thinly sliced green onion shoots, divided
10 ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, divided

→ Seasonings & Liquids

11 10 cups chicken stock
12 2 teaspoons dried oregano
13 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 ½ teaspoon black pepper
15 3 bay leaves
16 Cajun seasoning to taste
17 Long grain white rice for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Sort through beans to remove stones. Cover with cold water and soak overnight (12-24 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 02

Cook bacon until crispy (10-15 minutes), remove and reserve grease. Brown sausage in batches (5-10 minutes per batch), then set aside.

Step 03

Cook onions, celery, and bell pepper until caramelized (8-10 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 04

Return meats to pot. Add beans, stock, seasonings, and half the herbs. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours until beans are tender and liquid thickens. Skim foam as needed.

Step 05

Smash some beans against pot for thicker consistency if desired. Add remaining herbs and adjust seasoning. Serve over rice with optional hot sauce or vinegar.

Notes

  1. Don't add salt until the end - the meats provide enough seasoning during cooking
  2. Can use ham hock instead of diced ham
  3. Beans can be frozen for up to 6 months
  4. Dish improves with time and can be made a day ahead

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven (at least 6 quart capacity)
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 626
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 34 g