Red Beans & Rice Recipe

Soak the Beans

Rinse the red beans under cold water, then soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Beans and Liquid

Add the soaked and drained red beans to the pot along with the water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Simmer

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.

Cook the Rice

In a separate pot, combine the long-grain white rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Combine and Serve

Once both the beans and rice are cooked, serve the red beans over a bed of rice. If desired, top with sliced sausage and chopped green onions.