Red Beans and Rice Recipe: Louisiana Comfort Food Done Right

Ingredients

• 1 pound (454g) dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
• 8 cups (1.9L) water (for soaking)
• 6 cups (1.4L) water (for cooking)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 pound (454g) Andouille sausage, or smoked sausage of choice, sliced (about 3 cups)
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere's)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice, long-grain or medium-grain
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)