Quick Creole Red Beans and Rice with Andouille

• •12 oz Andouille sausage (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
• •1 tbsp Olive oil
• •1 piece Yellow onion (medium, finely chopped)
• •1 piece Green bell pepper (medium, finely chopped)
• •1 piece Celery stalk (finely chopped)
• •3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •2 cans Canned red kidney beans (15-ounce each, rinsed and drained)
• •2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• •2 tbsp Creole seasoning (or more, to taste)
• •1 tsp Dried thyme
• •1 piece Bay leaf
• •1 tsp Hot sauce (or to taste (e.g., Tabasco))
• •4 cups Cooked white rice (for serving)
• •2 stalks Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• •2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.

2. 2

   If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity') and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the rinsed and drained red kidney beans, chicken broth, Creole seasoning, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. 5

   Remove the bay leaf. Using a spoon or potato masher, mash about 1/4 to 1/3 of the beans against the side of the pot. This will create a creamy texture and thicken the sauce. Stir in the cooked andouille sausage.

6. 6

   Stir in the hot sauce, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more Creole seasoning or hot sauce if desired. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

7. 7

   Serve the Quick Creole Red Beans and Rice hot over individual portions of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley, if desired.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Mashing some of the beans is key to achieving a creamy, authentic texture without hours of simmering.
• 💡Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning and hot sauce to your preferred spice level. Different brands of Creole seasoning vary in saltiness and heat.
• 💡For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika along with the Creole seasoning.