Ingredients

1 lb red beans or 1 lb red kidney beans , dry
1 large onion , chopped
1 bell pepper , chopped
5 celery ribs , chopped
3 -5 garlic cloves , minced
1 teaspoon liquid smoke , more to taste ( traditional way use 1 large smoked ham hock , or 3/4 lb . smoked ham , diced , for seasoning )
1 - 1 1/2 lb mild or hot smoked turkey sausage ( more traditional is just regular sausage or andouille ) or 1 -1 1/2 lb turkey andouille sausage , sliced on the bias ( more traditional is just regular sausage or andouille )
1/2 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves , crushed
1 -2 bay leaf
as many dashes Crystal hot sauce , to taste or Tabasco sauce , as you like to taste
3 -6 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon creole seasoning ( like Tony Chachere 's )
salt
cooked rice ( I serve it over brown rice , but traditional is white )
Red Beans and Rice is a staple dish in the cuisine of Louisiana, commonly associated with the Creole and Cajun cultures. It is traditionally served on Mondays as a way to use up the leftovers from Sunday's ham dinner. The dish has gained popularity beyond Louisiana and can now be found in many southern states and even outside of the US. This recipe by The Gumbo Pages stays true to the traditional flavors, but substitutes smoked turkey sausage for the more commonly used pork sausage. The dish is hearty and delicious, perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

Instructions

1.Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
2.Drain the beans and rinse them.
3.In a large pot, add the beans, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and liquid smoke. Add enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches.
4.Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beans are softened.
5.Add the sliced sausage, thyme, bay leaf, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, creole seasoning, and salt. Mix and cook until the sausage is cooked through and the flavors have blended.
6.Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

PROS

Red Beans and Rice is a tasty and filling one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding large groups.

The high fiber content in red beans makes it great for regulating blood sugar levels and aiding in digestion.

CONS

The traditional recipe uses meat for seasoning, making it a non-vegetarian recipe.

It can be high in sodium depending on the type and amount of seasoning used.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Red beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and iron.
They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
The combination of beans and rice provides a complete protein, making it a great vegetarian option.

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