Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice: A Southern Classic

A bowl of red beans and rice is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. This hearty dish, slow-cooked to perfection, is a staple of Louisiana Creole cuisine. Traditionally served on Mondays (because it could simmer all day while folks did laundry), red beans and rice has become a favorite comfort food enjoyed any day of the week.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the best homemade red beans and rice, whether you’re using dry beans, a quick-cook option, or looking for authentic Cajun seasonings and ingredients to bring out those bold Louisiana flavors.

For a true Creole experience, check out our selection of red beans, andouille sausage, seasonings, and rice to get everything you need in one place.

Ingredients for Red Beans and Rice

For the Beans:

• 1 pound Camellia Red Kidney Beans (or substitute Blue Runner Dry Red Beans or Ragin’ Cajun Petite Red Beans)
• 10 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning or Ragin’ Cajun Y’all Purpose Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Slap Ya Mama Cajun Hot Sauce or Crystal Hot Sauce)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Meat:

• 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced (Choose from:
  • Savoie’s Andouille (16oz)
  • Richard’s Andouille (1lb)
  • The Best Stop Andouille (24oz)
    
    

For Serving:

• 4 cups cooked white rice (Try:Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Cajun Country Long Grain Rice (5lb)
  • Jazzmen White Rice (28oz)
    
    
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beans

1. If using dry beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. If using Blue Runner Creole Cream Style Spicy Red Beans or Blue Runner No Salt Creole Cream Style Red Beans, you can skip the soaking and start cooking immediately.

Step 2: Cook the Andouille Sausage

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the diced onions, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Simmer the Beans

1. Return the soaked beans to the pot and add the water or broth.
2. Stir in the salt, black pepper, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bay leaves, and Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning.
3. Add the browned andouille sausage back to the pot.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Mash Some Beans for Creaminess

1. After 2 hours, use the back of a spoon to mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot. This will thicken the sauce and give the dish its signature creamy texture.
2. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6: Serve It Up

1. Remove the bay leaves.
2. Spoon the red beans over steamed white rice and garnish with green onions and parsley.
3. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Red Beans and Rice

• Slow and Low Cooking: Letting the beans simmer for hours ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Don’t Skip the Andouille: The smoky flavor of Savoie’s or The Best Stop takes this dish to the next level.
• Use High-Quality Beans: Camellia Red Kidney Beans are the best choice for authentic flavor and texture.
• Seasoning Matters: Using the right Cajun seasoning, like Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning or Ragin’ Cajun Y’all Purpose Seasoning, makes a world of difference.

Get Everything You Need for Authentic Red Beans and Rice

Stock up on these key ingredients to make your next batch of real Louisiana red beans and rice:

• Camellia Red Kidney Beans (1lb) – The gold standard for red beans
• Savoie’s Andouille (16oz) – A rich, smoky sausage for extra depth
• Cajun Country Long Grain Rice (5lb) – The perfect complement to the creamy beans
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun Hot Sauce (5oz) – A Louisiana classic for extra heat

Enjoy a Taste of Louisiana

Now that you know how to make authentic red beans and rice, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking. Whether for a Monday tradition or a weekend comfort meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

So fire up the stove, let the beans simmer, and enjoy a true taste of Louisiana home cooking.