Mardi Gras Rice Beans Sausage (Printable)
A Creole-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, beans, and aromatic vegetables, ideal for celebratory meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 10 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Beans & Grains
06 - 14 oz canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
08 - 2 cups chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 2 bay leaves
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Optional Garnishes
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Hot sauce
# Steps:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
02 - In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the rice and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains.
05 - Add the chicken broth, kidney beans, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Stir well. Return the browned sausage to the pot and mix to combine.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat. Discard bay leaves. Stir in chopped parsley. Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with extra parsley, sliced green onions, and hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery creates an aromatic base that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary
- One pot means minimal cleanup while maximum flavor develops on your stovetop
02 -
- Never lift the lid during the simmering phase or the rice will cook unevenly and turn gummy
- Letting the pot rest off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing helps the rice firm up slightly
03 -
- Browning the sausage separately creates fond on the bottom of the pan that deglazes into the vegetables
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch before cooking