Spicy and Satisfying: Red Beans and Sausage Recipe
Imagine inhaling the intoxicating aroma of redbeans and sausage simmering on your stove. Can you smell it? I can. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s affordable and easy to make. My Louisiana Homestyle Redbeans and Sausage Recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to re-create the signature dish that New Orleans is famous for.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just learning, this recipe will make you feel like a true culinary artist in minutes. It delivers a plate full of slow-cooked goodness that will satisfy your hunger and craving for the classic Louisianan taste.
Making traditional-style red beans and sausage at home requires effort and skills that some people may not have. But fear not – my recipe uses canned redbeans (kidney beans) so there’s no need for soaking them overnight. That cuts down time and energy without compromising the finished product, which tastes as authentic as if it were cooked by the renowned chefs of The Big Easy.
So let’s get started, put on some jazz music, and transport ourselves to the French Quarter. This recipe guarantees an excellent experience that will warm your soul (and your stomach!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks. Are you craving a hearty, warm meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Then get ready for the best red beans and sausage recipe you’ve ever tasted – Louisiana Homestyle Redbeans and Sausage!
What makes this dish so special, you may ask? Well, let me tell you. First of all, it’s a true taste of Louisiana cuisine. It’s like visiting the Big Easy without ever leaving your home kitchen. With a unique combination of ingredients such as smoked sausage, kidney beans, and warm spices like ground black pepper and salt, every bite is full of Creole flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans.
But that’s not all. This recipe is for those who want a meal that’s both easy and delicious. Throw in some onions and peppers, and let it simmer with red beans until everything is cooked to perfection. And if you’re worried about cooking time, don’t be – you can whip up this dish in less than an hour.
And here’s the best part – this recipe is so versatile! You can serve it over rice for a classic Louisiana-style Red Beans & Rice recipe or pair it with your favorite side for a delicious dinner or lunch. You can also make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for later use or freeze it for future meals!
So come on, try out this amazing recipe today and experience the flavors of authentic Louisiana cuisine right in your own kitchen. I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the list of ingredients needed to make this Extremely Easy Louisiana Homestyle Red Beans and Sausage Recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Red beans (1 lb. dried red kidney beans or 4 cans of canned red kidney beans)
- Smoked sausage (1 lb. Andouille sausage sliced 1/2 inch thick or any smoked sausage of your choice)
- Onion (1 medium-sized onion, diced)
- Bell pepper (1 green bell pepper, sliced)
- Celery(2 celery stalks, chopped)
- Garlic(3 cloves of garlic, minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Warm water(6 cups warm water if using dried beans; 2 cups warm water if using canned beans)
- Butter(optional – for extra richness and flavor)
Note: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use Cajun-style Andouille sausage or add some cayenne pepper.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples that you may already have on hand. However, if you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! There are some substitution options available that we’ll cover in the next section.
The Recipe How-To
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxKqeC_6aBk
Now, it’s time to get to the heart of the recipe – the how-to guide to make this savory bowl of red beans and sausage. Gather your ingredients and let’s dive in.
Step 1: Soaking the Beans
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure your dried red kidney beans are soaked until plump. Rinse them properly in a colander and inspect the beans for any debris. After that, soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours prior to cooking. Use 6 cups of warm water and add 1 tsp of salt.
Tip: You can also use canned beans if you don’t have dried ones on hand. Simply skip this step as canned beans don’t require soaking.
Step 2: Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables
In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, sauté one diced medium-sized onion, one sliced bell pepper, and sliced 1 lb of smoked sausage (preferably made with Andouille Sausage) until they are browned. Otherwise known as “The Holy Trinity”, these vegetables become the base of many Louisiana dishes like gumbo or jambalaya.
Step 3: Cooking the Beans
Once your veggies and sausage are cooked, add your drained beans to the pot along with 8 cups of water. Stir everything together then season with a teaspoon each of ground black pepper and salt.
Let this mixture simmer for about an hour and a half or until the beans are tender enough to smash with a fork but not completely falling apart.
Step 4: Thickening Your Red Beans
Once your red beans are cooked to perfection, you can now thicken the sauce by using a whisk or fork and smashing some of the beans against the sides. This process naturally thickens up your red bean sauce while also releasing some starches from it, making it creamier.
Step 5: Adding Butter
Add in a pinch or two of butter for flavor then stir everything together once more. Let this cook for another few minutes until you have achieved your desired consistency.
Serve hot with white or brown rice and enjoy the Louisiana style flavors delivered straight to your door!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about experimentation, and the same goes for this Louisiana Homestyle Red Beans and Sausage recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to try out:
– Instead of smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, use chorizo or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
– For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add in some tofu or another meat substitute if you prefer.
– If you don’t have red beans on hand, you can use canned kidney beans instead. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding to the pot.
– Swap out brown rice for white rice for a more traditional Southern-style red beans and rice dish.
– Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe and add in some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.
– If you prefer a soupier consistency, add in a can of diced tomatoes or some beef or chicken stock.
The possibilities are endless with this recipe, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients and spices. Just remember that any changes you make will affect the overall taste and texture, so use your judgment and taste as you go. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
As with any Louisiana-style dish, I recommend serving this red beans and sausage recipe with a side of hot and fluffy brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. For an extra kick, consider adding in some sliced and sautéed bell peppers to the mix.
To complete your meal, consider pairing this hearty dish with a refreshing beverage such as sweet iced tea or a cold beer. The spicy and savory flavors of the red beans and sausage will balance perfectly against the sweetness of the tea or the hoppy bitterness of the beer.
This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, so I suggest setting out some hot sauce on the table for those who want to take it up a notch. You can also pair it with some warm crusty bread or cornbread for added texture and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using this red beans and sausage recipe as a base for other dishes. For example, it works great as a filling for tacos or burritos, or even as a topping for nachos.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Louisiana-style red beans and sausage recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Picture this: it’s a cozy, rainy evening and you’re craving the comforting flavors of Louisiana-style red beans and sausage. But, alas, you don’t have the time to whip up a fresh batch. Fear not, my friends, for this dish is just as delicious made ahead and reheated.
To make ahead, simply let the beans cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Storing and reheating this dish is a breeze. The beans will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, be sure to label your container with the date using a waterproof marker so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
When it comes time to reheat, you have a few options. You can either place the desired amount of beans in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. If you find that your beans are too thick after being stored in the fridge or freezer, simply add some warm water or chicken broth to thin them out.
One final thing to note: if you plan on making a big batch of these delicious red beans and sausage and intend on storing them for later use, consider waiting to add any cooked rice until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure that your leftover beans stay fresh and don’t become too mushy.
So go ahead and make all your meal prep dreams come true by enjoying these delightful LA-style red beans and sausage whenever your heart desires!
Tips for Perfect Results
Have you ever cooked a dish and it just didn’t come out the way you expected? It can be disheartening, especially if you’ve put time and effort into preparing something. That’s why I’m sharing some tips to help ensure your Louisiana homestyle red beans and sausage come out perfectly every time.
First, make sure you’re properly seasoning your dish. Don’t settle for bland beans! Use ground black pepper and salt to add flavor to the red beans while they cook. Add salted water to the pot to give them a savory taste from the beginning. And don’t forget to fully cook your smoked sausage or andouille sausage sliced for that rich smoky flavor.
When cooking with canned red kidney beans or dried red kidney beans, it’s important to take note of this – Kidney beans are known for containing a natural toxin that, if not cooked thoroughly at high temperatures or soaked correctly beforehand, can cause an upset stomach. Always ensure that kidney beans are fully cooked before serving.
If possible, use warm water when soaking your dried red kidney beans before using them in this recipe. This will help speed up their cooking time so they become tender without getting mushy. Another time-saving tip is instead of doing it yourself, purchasing pre-soaked dried kidney beans that are delivered door to door from Louisiana saves you some trouble.
When making this recipe in a slow cooker, allow plenty of time for the flavors to meld together. You can also try adding bell pepper (green or red) and brown rice alongside the red beans and sausage filling for added texture and taste in Beans Rice Southern Recipe.
Finally, if you want to make this dish even richer, try adding some butter to the pot! A little goes a long way when it comes to adding extra flavor.
Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a delicious and authentic Louisiana-style red bean soup. Grab a spoon, dig in and enjoy!
FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over the recipe in detail, let’s answer some common questions you may have about making Louisiana Homestyle Redbeans and Sausage. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it’s always helpful to know some tips and tricks for perfect results. So, buckle up and get ready for some answers to FAQs that will make your cooking experience even easier.
What does adding butter to red beans do?
When it comes to making red beans, there’s another method to achieve that creamy and buttery taste. Instead of adding the butter while cooking the beans, you can incorporate it as a finishing touch towards the end. This allows the flavor to be more pronounced and enhances the creamy texture of the beans, leaving your taste buds fully satisfied when you finally serve it. This technique is definitely worth a try.
Do canned red kidney beans need to be soaked?
Preparing canned kidney beans is hassle-free as they do not require soaking. However, to enhance their taste, it is recommended to heat them up and add some flavorful seasonings.
Should I soak red beans for red beans and rice?
When it comes to preparing Red Beans and Rice, there are a couple of crucial steps that can make all the difference in terms of flavor. To start with, it’s important to soak the beans in salted water for a minimum of 8 hours and up to a full day. This will give the beans a briny taste that will help to elevate the overall profile of the dish. Additionally, browning the sausage prior to adding it to the pot will help to add another layer of flavor to the dish. It’s important to keep in mind that while the beans are soaking and cooking, the rice should be prepared separately.
Why are red beans cooked on Mondays?
Red beans and rice are a beloved New Orleans dish with a historical significance. It is said that this dish was typically consumed on Mondays as it was an effective way of repurposing the ham bone from the Sunday meal. The beans could be cooked for an extended period while the laundry was being washed, marking it an efficient and convenient meal.
Bottom Line
And there you have it – an extremely easy Louisiana homestyle redbeans and sausage recipe that can be made in no time! The beauty of this dish is that it requires minimal effort to prepare, yet the end result is packed with an incredible depth of flavor that’ll leave you wanting more.
So what are you waiting for? Surprising your taste buds with a delicious plate of Louisiana-style red beans and sausage is quite literally at your fingertips. With little prep work and even less cleanup, you can easily satisfy your hunger for comfort food in a snap.
Remember, this recipe offers plenty of room for substitutions and variations based on your preferences, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect combo. You can also use leftovers to make bean soup, stews or casseroles!
With just a bit of creativity and a few simple steps, you can transport yourself to the heart of New Orleans right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Trust me; there’s nothing quite like the pleasure derived from enjoying an authentic Louisiana meal delivered straight to your door.
So grab a plate, call up some friends or family, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with pride knowing that you have mastered the art of cooking up the best Louisiana-style red beans and rice recipe around!
Louisiana Homestyle Redbeans and Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces red beans (2 regular cans of Blue Runner Creole Cream Style)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (Richard’s Brand Beef and Pork works best)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s Original)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (The cheap oregano and thyme type will work)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the Richard’s Beef and Pork Sausage into medium-thin slices.
- Put the sliced sausage into a 3-4 quart pot and brown on low to medium heat. Add the 2 Tbs. of Tony Chachere’s Seasoning when sausage begins to simmer and stir. Allow the sausage to brown and crisp, but be careful not burn! Stir regularly until the sausage has browned properly. Do not drain the remaining oil.
- While the sausage is browning, open both cans of Blue Runner Cream Style Red Beans and put aside until the sausage is browned to your satisfaction.
- Lower your heat to lowest setting and add the 1/2 cup of warm water and both cans of red beans to the sausage.
- Add 1 teaspoons Dry Italian Seasoning, 1 teaspoons Ground Pepper and the optional 1/2 teaspoons of Salt and stir well. Pay attention to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Increase the stove heat to just above the lowest setting, cover and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Make sure to check and stir every few minutes. If too much liquid has evaporated, add a little warm water and stir.
- Serve over white rice or dirty rice in a 2:1 ratio (Twice the amount of red beans to white rice portion).
- Note: You can substitute Richard’s brand sausage with Savoie’s brand easily, but if neither is available, you’ll have to trust your instincts on what type to get. Most people in Louisiana know and love Blue Runner’s brand of home-style beans, so if it isn’t available in your area, you can try to substitute with another brand. Chances are it won’t taste as good, and you’ll have to mash and season the beans more. Local Louisiana Wal-Mart stores should carry Blue Runner, though.
- For an added kick you can use "hot" flavored sausage instead of regular.
- Refrigerate or freeze left-overs. When reheating, add a small amount of water.
Your own notes
Nutrition
Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.