Bring a taste of New Orleans to your table this Mardi Gras with a classic pot of red beans and rice—slow‑simmered, smoky, and packed with Cajun flavor, the whole family will love.

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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Recipe courtesy https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/58211/authentic-louisiana-red-beans-and-rice/

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry kidney beans
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 6 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried sage
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups long-grain white rice

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Rinse beans and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups of water. Stir-cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and sage. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 ½ hours.
5. Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.

*Note: Add a leftover ham bone, ham hock, or bacon for added depth of flavor.