Description
A hearty, flavorful classic straight from Louisiana—perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried red beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked turkey leg or 1 lb smoked sausage (optional for flavor)
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add soaked beans, smoked meat (if using), chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy. Add more water if needed.
- Remove smoked meat, shred, and return to the pot. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the beans over fluffy white rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg