AuthorFish Food
DifficultyIntermediate

This classic New Orleans recipe of slow-simmered red beans served over rice is loaded with flavor and can be made with 100% pantry ingredients.

Prep Time30 minsCook Time2 hrsTotal Time2 hrs 30 mins

INGREDIENTS

 1 Package Johnsonville smoked bratwurst, cut into 1/2 inch piecesKielbasa can be substituted
 ½ lb Bacon
 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
 1 Package dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
 1 Large Sweet Onion, diced
 1 Bell Pepper, diced
 2 Ribs Celery, diced
 3 Cloves Garlic, smashed
 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere's or whatever's available in the commissary)Homemade seasoning (may not have the same smokiness as premade) 1 tsp of each; black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano. 2 tsp salt and garlic powder. 2 1/2 tsp paprika. Mix together.
 Cayenne Pepper
 1 qt Chicken Stock
 ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
 Louisiana hot sauce (optional)
 Cider vinegar (optional)
 White rice, prepared according to package directions

DIRECTIONS

1

At least 8 and up to 24 hours ahead, combine kidney beans, 6 cups water, and 1 tbsp kosher salt in a large bowl. Drain and rinse beans and then set aside.

2

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and bacon. Cook until bacon is browned and fat has rendered, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in pot.

3

Add bratwurst and cook until well browned, about 5 minutes. Remove bratwursts and set aside, leaving fat in pot.

4

Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper along with a large pinch of kosher salt. Cook until vegetables are softened and just starting to brown, about 8 minutes.

5

Add garlic, cajun seasoning, tomato paste, and cayenne (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

6

Add chicken stock, bacon, and bratwursts. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits on the bottom of the pot.

7

Add soaked beans and enough water to cover by 2 inches, about 2 cups. Add parsley and a large pinch kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about two hours.

8

Uncover pot and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

9

Serve over steamed white rice with additional hot sauce.

Ingredients

 1 Package Johnsonville smoked bratwurst, cut into 1/2 inch piecesKielbasa can be substituted
 ½ lb Bacon
 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
 1 Package dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
 1 Large Sweet Onion, diced
 1 Bell Pepper, diced
 2 Ribs Celery, diced
 3 Cloves Garlic, smashed
 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere's or whatever's available in the commissary)Homemade seasoning (may not have the same smokiness as premade) 1 tsp of each; black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano. 2 tsp salt and garlic powder. 2 1/2 tsp paprika. Mix together.
 Cayenne Pepper
 1 qt Chicken Stock
 ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
 Louisiana hot sauce (optional)
 Cider vinegar (optional)
 White rice, prepared according to package directions
Red Beans and Rice