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Irresistible Homemade Red Beans and Rice Skillet Recipe Easy and Perfect

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A hearty and comforting one-pan dish combining smoky andouille sausage, tender red beans, and flavorful rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight) or 3 cans (15 oz each) rinsed and drained
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 270 grams)
  • 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce (optional, a few dashes)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water (6-8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, rinse well to reduce sodium and prevent mushiness.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften and onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add sliced andouille sausage to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
  4. Add minced garlic, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 2 bay leaves. Stir for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Add soaked or canned red beans and 4 cups chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes if using dried beans or 15-20 minutes for canned beans until tender and creamy. Add water if mixture gets too thick.
  7. Stir in 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice, ensuring even distribution. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  8. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Add hot sauce if desired and stir gently.
  9. Turn off heat and let skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to fluff and flavors to meld.

Notes

Soaking dried beans overnight reduces cooking time and ensures even texture. Avoid stirring rice too frequently once added to prevent mushiness. Use medium to medium-low heat when sautéing to avoid burning garlic. For vegetarian version, omit sausage and add smoked paprika and extra veggies. Adjust spice level with hot sauce or cayenne pepper as desired. Let skillet rest after cooking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: red beans and rice, andouille sausage, Cajun recipe, one-pan meal, comfort food, quick dinner, skillet recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/irresistible-homemade-red-beans-and-rice-skillet-recipe-easy-and-perfect/