Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Discover the best Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice recipe, a flavorful classic with simple steps and tips for perfect results.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 1 pound Red beans soaked overnight
- 1 pound Smoked sausage sliced
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 1 Bell pepper diced
- 3 stalks Celery chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Thyme dried
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Beans
- Rinse the soaked red beans.
- In a large pot, cover them with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- “Always start with a simmer and end with a simmer. Never boil beans hard, or you’ll have a mushy mess!”
Step 2 – Cook the Sausage
- In a separate pan, sauté the sausage until it’s browned.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan for flavor.
- “The sausage fat adds a smoky richness that’s crucial for the base flavor.”
Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft.
Step 4 – Combine Ingredients
- Drain the beans and return them to the pot.
- Add the cooked vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Stir well to combine.
- “This is where the magic happens – all the flavors melding together under a slow simmer!”
Step 5 – Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- “The longer it simmers, the better it gets. Patience is key!”
Notes
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, depending on your preference.