How to Make Red Beans and Rice

Forget the red beans in a box. Learn how easy it is to make Creole red beans and rice from scratch in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• 1 pound of small, red kidney beans in a bag
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 bell pepper
• lots of seasoning
• 1 package of andouille sausage (smoked or turkey sausage can be substituted)
• 1 to 2 cups of rice

Instructions

1. In large pot, soak one pound of kidney beans in water for an hour or until they get wrinkled (This helps reduce stomach gas often associated with beans). The water just needs to cover the beans.

2. Cut one-inch slices of sausage. Dice onion, pepper, celery and sausage and add all to the pot of beans.

3. Season well with salt, pepper and all-purpose seasoning (Magic Seasonings or Tony Chachere's are the best.). For a kick, add a little Tabasco.

4. Add more water, just enough to submerge the beans and seasonings. Cover.

5. Simmer over low heat, stirring about every 20 minutes for three hours or until beans are soft. Season again to taste.

6. Make one to two cups of rice.

7. Pour beans over rice and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• For extra creamy red beans, add about two tablespoons of butter to pot and stir.