Authentic New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried kidney beans
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

2 hours

Difficulty Level:

2 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse the kidney beans and pick over them to remove any stones or debris.
2. In a large pot, combine the beans, andouille sausage, green bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked white rice and heat through.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, savory, and slightly spicy
• Comforting and hearty
• Perfect for a cold day or a cozy meal
• Can be served with additional toppings such as hot sauce, green onions, or cornbread

User Comments:

• "This dish was fantastic! The beans were perfectly cooked and the andouille sausage added a nice kick."
• "I love the authenticity of this recipe. It's just like what I had in New Orleans!"
• "I'm not usually a fan of beans, but this dish was delicious. The flavors were well-balanced."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to soak the beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time.
• If you can't find andouille sausage, you can substitute kielbasa or another smoked sausage.
• This dish can also be cooked in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.