Smoked Sausage and Red Beans

Ingredients and Weight:

• Smoked sausage, 1 pound
• Olive oil, 2 tbsp
• Onion, 1 (chopped)
• Bell pepper, 1 (chopped)
• Celery, 1 stalk (chopped)
• Garlic, 2 cloves (minced)
• Red beans, 2 cups (picked over and rinsed)
• Chicken broth, 4 cups
• Bay leaf, 1
• Creole seasoning, 1 tbsp
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice, 8 cups

Preparation Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

90 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Brown smoked sausage on all sides and remove from pot.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in red beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and Creole seasoning.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until beans are tender.
6. Return sausage to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until sausage is heated through.
8. Serve over cooked rice.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and smoky flavor from the smoked sausage
• Rich and hearty texture from the red beans and rice
• Classic American comfort food with a Cajun twist

User Comments:

• "This dish is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. It's a great way to use up leftover smoked sausage."
• "The red beans are so tender and creamy, and the rice is the perfect accompaniment."
• "This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! My guests raved about it."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Pick over red beans to remove any stones or debris.
• If you don't have Creole seasoning, you can substitute a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
• For a spicier dish, add more Creole seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.