Slow Cooker Louisiana Style Red Bean and Rice 🍚🌶️

This hearty and flavorful dish brings the essence of Louisiana right to your kitchen! It's warm, filling, and evokes the soul of Southern cooking. The slow cooking method allows the spices and flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect dish for busy days or casual get-togethers. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a side, this red beans and rice recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds! Serve with hot sauce for an extra kick! 🌶️🔥

Ingredients

For the Red Beans

• 1 pound red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for serving)

For Serving

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the soaked and drained red beans at the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and celery until soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

   🌿 This aromatic base, known as the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking, is essential for developing rich flavors in your dish.

3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beans. Add the sliced sausage, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender.

5. Prepare the Rice: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions using 4 cups of water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.

6. Serve: Ladle the red bean mixture over a serving of rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

   🍽️ Feel free to serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious juices!

Variations

• Meatless: Omit the sausage and add additional vegetables or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian or vegan version that’s still flavorful! 🌱
• Spicy: If you love heat, add more cayenne or a few sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker for extra spiciness.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a couple of drops of liquid smoke for that BBQ flavor without smoking any meat.
• High Altitude: Increase the liquid by about 1 cup as evaporation is generally higher at elevations over 5,000 feet.

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice, and savor the delightful tastes of the South! 🎉