Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe | Authentic Creole Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage is a classic Southern dish that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd at a potluck or party.

History

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage has its roots in Louisiana Creole cuisine, where red beans and rice are a staple dish. The addition of smoked sausage adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, sliced into 0.5 inch thick slices
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) stewed tomatoes
1 can (15-16 oz or 454 g) red beans, drained and rinsed
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
3 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the sausage and cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Add the tomatoes, red beans, and red pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the rice and cook and stir for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated.

Variations

Use Andouille sausage for a spicier version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the sausage into thick slices to ensure that it holds up well in the dish.

- Cooking the sausage before adding the other ingredients helps to brown it and develop its flavor.

- Simmering the red beans and tomatoes together allows the flavors to meld and creates a rich, savory sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Red Beans and Rice with Sausage with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the red beans and tomatoes together helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Stirring in the rice at the end ensures that it is heated through and well-incorporated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use kidney beans or black beans in place of red beans.

- Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Red Beans and Rice with Sausage in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Red Beans and Rice with Sausage with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer for a classic Southern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Red Beans and Rice with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Red Beans and Rice with Sausage contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Red Beans and Rice with Sausage contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Red Beans and Rice with Sausage contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Red Beans and Rice with Sausage contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the rice and may contain soy from the sausage. Check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.

Summary

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mary in New Orleans. She was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious dishes.

That day, Aunt Mary was busy in the kitchen, preparing a pot of red beans and rice with sausage. The aroma wafting from the pot was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste it. As I watched her cook, I asked her where she learned the recipe.

Aunt Mary smiled and said, "Oh, this recipe has been passed down through generations in our family. My grandmother taught it to my mother, who then taught it to me. It's a classic New Orleans dish, and it's one of my favorites to make."

She went on to explain that the key to a good red beans and rice dish was in the seasoning. She showed me how to sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic until they were fragrant and caramelized. Then she added the smoked sausage and let it brown, infusing the dish with its rich flavor.

Next, she poured in the broth and the soaked red beans, along with a bay leaf and a few spices. She let the mixture simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.

As the dish cooked, Aunt Mary told me stories about her grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. She would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her large family. Red beans and rice was a staple in their household, a dish that brought everyone together around the dinner table.

I was mesmerized by Aunt Mary's stories and the way she effortlessly cooked the dish. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself, so I could carry on the tradition in my own family.

After hours of simmering, the red beans and rice was finally ready. Aunt Mary served it in a big bowl, garnished with green onions and a dollop of sour cream. I took my first bite, and it was like a burst of flavors in my mouth. The creamy beans, the spicy sausage, and the aromatic spices all came together in perfect harmony.

I asked Aunt Mary for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me. She told me to always use quality ingredients and to never rush the cooking process. She said that the key to a great red beans and rice dish was patience and love.

I returned home from my trip to New Orleans, eager to recreate Aunt Mary's red beans and rice recipe. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following her instructions to the letter.

As the dish simmered on the stove, filling my home with its tantalizing aroma, I thought about my family and the traditions we held dear. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in our household, just like it had been in Aunt Mary's.

When the red beans and rice was finally ready, I served it to my family with a side of cornbread and a fresh salad. They all took their first bites, their faces lighting up in delight. They said it was the best meal they had ever tasted, and I knew that I had done Aunt Mary proud.

From that day on, red beans and rice with sausage became a staple in our home. I cooked it for special occasions, family gatherings, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I made it, I thought of Aunt Mary and the lessons she had taught me in the kitchen.

Years passed, and I became known in my community for my delicious red beans and rice dish. People would come from far and wide to taste it, and I would always tell them the story of how I learned to make it from my Aunt Mary in New Orleans.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren. I taught them the importance of tradition, of family, and of good food made with love. And I hoped that they would carry on the legacy of red beans and rice with sausage for generations to come.

So now, whenever I cook this dish, I am reminded of Aunt Mary and the bond we shared over a steaming pot of red beans and rice. And I am grateful for the memories, the stories, and the recipes that have been passed down through my family, enriching our lives with every delicious bite.