Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring slow-simmered red kidney beans with smoky bacon, andouille sausage, and ham, combined with aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices. This classic Louisiana comfort food is served over fluffy long grain white rice and offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 12 hours (including overnight soak)
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 14 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern US
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Meat
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans
- ½ pound thick cut bacon, diced
- 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
- ¼–½ pound smoked ham, diced
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 ½ cups diced onions (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 cup diced celery (2–3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper (1 large bell pepper)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onion shoots, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
Liquids and Seasonings
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 3 bay leaves
- Cajun seasoning to taste
For Serving
- Long grain white rice
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Red wine vinegar or pickled onions (optional, for acidic balance)
Instructions
- Soak: The night before cooking, sort through the beans and remove any stones. Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by a few inches. Soak overnight. Before cooking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
- Sear Bacon and Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until mostly crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving some bacon grease in the pot. Next, sear the sliced sausage in the same pot until browned on both sides, about 5-10 minutes, working in batches if necessary. Set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté while stirring until onions are translucent and beginning to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Beans: Return bacon and sausage to the pot. Add soaked and rinsed beans, chicken stock, diced ham, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, half of the chopped parsley, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir to combine, then add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 2 hours or until beans are tender and the liquid has reduced to your preferred consistency. Skim off any foam that forms and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken Beans (Optional): For a thicker texture, use a wooden spoon to smash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release starches and naturally thicken the mixture. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Season: Stir in the remaining green onions and parsley. Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun red beans hot over long grain white rice. Garnish with additional green onions and parsley if desired. Offer hot sauce for heat and optional red wine vinegar or pickled onions for a touch of acidic balance.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight softens them and reduces cooking time. Alternatively, use quick soak methods if short on time.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference; it typically contains paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices.
- Use andouille sausage for a traditional smoky flavor; smoked sausage or kielbasa make good substitutes.
- The dish improves if allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld even more.
- Leftovers reheat well and often taste better the next day.
- To keep the dish gluten free, ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten free certified.
Keywords: Cajun red beans and rice, red beans and sausage, authentic Cajun recipe, Southern comfort food, smoky beans and rice
