Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

This cajun red beans and rice recipe is a spicy southern dish full of flavor.

1 pound small, dry, kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

6 cups water

5 cloves of garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (recommend Old Bay)

1 pound smoked sausage (or any smoked meat)

4 cups water

2 cups long grain white rice

Rinse then soak beans in a large pot of water overnight.

In a medium frying pan , warm oil over medium heat. Then saute onion, bell pepper, and celery for 3 - 5 minutes until everything is tender.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add them and the 6 cups of water to a large pot. Stir in the sauteed vegetables. Then mix in the garlic, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, oregano, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Remove lid and continue simmering for 30 more minutes. While simmering, occasionally stir the beans and smash some of them against the side of the pot.

Meanwhile, in a medium frying pan, lightly brown the smoked sausage. Add the sausage to the beans after the additional 30 minutes of simmering. Then continue to simmer 30 more minutes or until the beans are very soft and creamy.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the water and rice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until all the water has absorbed. Remove lid, fluff with fork, and let stand 5 minutes. To serve ladle beans over a bed of rice.

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