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The Very Best Red Beans And Rice Recipe

Craving a soul-warming bowl of authentic-tasting red beans and rice? This recipe delivers! While not strictly traditional (we're using bacon for a smoky twist!), it's inspired by Emeril's renowned recipe and perfected over countless batches. Get ready for tender, flavorful beans in a rich, savory sauce – the perfect comfort food! (Inspired by Emeril Lagasse's recipe, found here: [http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/red-beans-and-rice-recipe2/index.html](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/red-beans-and-rice-recipe2/index.html) )

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 180 mins
Calories 388.8 kcal
Protein 37g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
The Very Best Red Beans And Rice

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Very Best Red Beans And Rice

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How to Make The Very Best Red Beans And Rice

  1. Rinse 1 pound dried red kidney beans and soak in ample water overnight.
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
  3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 6 slices of diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving bacon grease.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  6. If using andouille sausage, add now and brown slightly. If using smoked sausage, add later (step 12).
  7. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Pour in 8 cups of water or chicken stock. Add the drained beans and reserved bacon. Bring to a boil.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Add 1/2 pound of sliced smoked sausage (if using).
  11. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  12. Remove from heat. Using the back of a spoon, lightly mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
  13. Stir in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
  14. Season with salt to taste.
  15. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

34 g

Sugar

27g

Fat

22g

Carbs

15g

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Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Main Dish Side Dishes Beans Rice American Cajun Southern United States Winter Dietary Spicy One Dish Meal Low Cholesterol Seasonal Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Low Carb Inexpensive Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains White Rice Taste Mood 4 Hours Or Less Leftovers