Mardi Gras Rice Beans Sausage (Printable)
Smoky sausage, tender beans, and savory rice combine in this flavorful Mardi Gras-inspired meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
→ Beans
02 - 14 oz canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
07 - 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
→ Liquids
08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 1 teaspoon salt
16 - 2 bay leaves
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - 2 spring onions, sliced
# How-to Steps:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add andouille sausage slices and cook until well-browned, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate and reserve.
02 - Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and celery to the rendered fat in the pot. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables are softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Return browned sausage to the pot. Add rinsed rice, paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to coat rice and meat evenly with spices.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes.
05 - Gently fold in kidney beans. Cover and continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley and sliced spring onions, and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoky andouille infuses every single grain of rice with flavor that deepens as it cooks
- One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the company you are feeding
- It comes together faster than you think but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers or you will mess up the steam
- The dish continues to develop flavor as it rests, so do not worry if it tastes even better the next day
03 -
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear to prevent gummy results
- Let the pot rest undisturbed after cooking for the fluffiest rice texture