# What You Need:
→ Beans & Protein
01 - 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
02 - 12 ounces smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
03 - 1 ham hock or 4 ounces diced smoked ham (optional)
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water
→ Seasonings
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
16 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Rice
17 - 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
→ Garnishes (optional)
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Fresh parsley
20 - Hot sauce
# Steps:
01 - Drain and rinse the soaked beans; set aside.
02 - Heat a splash of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the sausage and ham (if using) for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot; sauté until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Return sausage and ham/hock to the pot. Add soaked beans, broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and creamy. Add more water if necessary.
06 - Remove ham hock if used, shred meat, and return to the pot. Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle hot beans over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, parsley, and hot sauce as desired.
