Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a comforting Southern dish featuring creamy red beans simmered with smoked turkey bacon and aromatic vegetables, seasoned with natural spices and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, served over fluffy rice for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Seasonings

  • 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed and soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt, to taste

Vegetables (Holy Trinity)

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

Protein

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Rice

  • 2 cups white rice (or brown rice for variation)
  • Water or vegetable broth for cooking rice, as per package instructions

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Beans: Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly, then soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight to shorten cooking time and improve texture.
  2. Sauté the Holy Trinity: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant, developing their natural sweetness.
  3. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pot with the veggies and cook until slightly crispy, releasing a smoky aroma.
  4. Combine and Season: Add the soaked and drained red beans, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth to cover the beans by about an inch.
  5. Simmer Slowly: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Test beans for tenderness; aim for a creamy consistency.
  6. Prepare the Rice: While the beans simmer, cook the rice according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
  7. Final Adjustments: Once beans are soft and creamy, remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, thin with vegetable broth or water; if too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
  8. Serve: Spoon the beans generously over rice. Garnish with fresh chopped scallions, parsley, or thin slices of hot green pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Soak your beans to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching during long simmering.
  • Cook low and slow to allow flavors to meld and beans to become creamy.
  • Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting.
  • Let the dish rest; flavors deepen and improve if made ahead.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if beans thicken.
  • Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup beans with 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, Southern recipe, red beans, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, comfort food, Cajun cooking, soul food

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/louisiana-red-beans-and-rice/