Red Beans and Rice
A classic New Orleans Monday tradition featuring creamy red beans slow-cooked with Andouille sausage and a ham hock, served over fluffy long-grain rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried red kidney beans(Rinsed and picked over for any debris.)
- 1 lb Andouille sausage(Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds.)
- 1 Smoked ham hock(Provides a deep smoky flavor and body.)
- 2 cups The 'Holy Trinity'(Finely diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery (equal parts).)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 8-10 cups Water or low-sodium chicken broth(For simmering the beans.)
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- for serving Long grain white rice(Cooked according to package directions.)
- for serving Hot sauce(Crystal or Tabasco recommended.)
- for garnish Fresh parsley or green onions(Chopped, optional.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the beans: Rinse the dried kidney beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water (at least 3 inches above the beans). Let them soak overnight, or use the quick-soak method (cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 1 minute, then let stand for 1 hour). Drain and rinse the beans before proceeding.
⏱️ 8+ hours (overnight soak) - 2
Sauté the aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil (optional, if your trinity is very lean) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'Holy Trinity') and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
Combine and simmer: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot along with the ham hock and bay leaves. Pour in 8 cups of water or chicken broth, ensuring the beans and ham hock are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently.
⏱️ 2 hours - 4
Add sausage and continue simmering: After 2 hours of simmering, add the sliced Andouille sausage to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beans are very tender and have started to break down, creating a creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes - 5
Finish and season: Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. Shred the meat from the ham hock, discarding the bone and skin, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher to further thicken the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Serve: Ladle the hot red beans and rice into bowls. Serve with a generous drizzle of hot sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra creaminess, mash about 1 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher before serving.
- ✓This dish is traditionally served on Mondays in New Orleans.
- ✓Crystal hot sauce is a popular and authentic choice for serving.
- ✓If you can't find Andouille sausage, a good quality smoked sausage can be substituted, but Andouille provides the signature flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a smoked turkey wing or neck along with the ham hock for added depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and Andouille sausage. Use vegetable broth and consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky note. You can add diced smoked tofu or mushrooms for texture.