andouille sausage, beans, rice in a paprika tomato sauce
When my husband and I were first married we started a budget. Inevitably there were times when we wanted to go over in a certain area and we would always joke that we could do so if we ate beans and rice for the rest of the month. Though said in jest, it got me thinking what dishes I could make with primarily beans and rice that weren’t bland and boring. My version of red beans and rice was one of the results. Its fragrant spices and delectable sausage make a wonderful hearty meal that I enjoy even if I don’t need to watch the budget.
I start this recipe by sautéing in a large skillet the pepper and onion in some oil as well as giving the sausage a little bit of a browning. The remaining seasonings, liquid, and rice are then added and allowed to begin to simmer. About 10 minutes later, I add the beans and tomatoes. Then the whole pot keeps on simmering until the rice is soft and the liquids and vegetables have thickened and combined into a wonderful sauce coating the rice, beans, and sausage.
The last note I will give here is that this recipe calls for a dash of cayenne. I am an unashamed wimp when it comes to spicy foods. If you like your food spicy, feel free to increase the cayenne to your personal taste.
I like making a pan of cornbread to go with this dish. Or if you’re missing a bit of green, a simple salad would be lovely especially one with a light creamy dressing to complement the strong seasonings this dish brings to the table.
– The Recipe –
Red Beans and Rice
prep time: 5 min
total time: 45-50 min
makes: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 diced sweet onion
- 1 sliced andouille sausage
- 1 diced orange bell pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregeno
- 5 tsp Hungarian paprika
- 1.5 c rice
- 3 c beef stock
- 1/2 c water
- 2 cans red beans (31 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
Directions
- In a large skillet on medium heat, sauté the onion, sausage, garlic, and bell pepper until the onions and sausage begin to brown.
- Add the remaining seasonings, the water and beef stock, and the rice.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer covered for 10 minutes
- Add the beans and tomatoes and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the broth is thickened, approximately 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.
Apricity 