White Beans and Rice
Creamy, slow-simmered white beans with smoky andouille sausage and the classic Cajun holy trinity. A comforting and hearty Louisiana staple, perfect served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Pure comfort food.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 120 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beans
- b.Rinse the dried beans under cold water, picking out any stones or debris.
- c.Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water.
- d.Let them soak overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours.
- e.After soaking, drain the beans completely and rinse them again.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown Sausage & Sauté Vegetables
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and the fat has rendered.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper (the 'holy trinity') to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Beans
- b.Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning.
- c.Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- e.Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking. The beans are done when they are very tender and creamy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Season
- b.Once the beans are tender, remove the lid. Use the back of a spoon to mash about a cup of the beans against the side of the pot. This will naturally thicken the gravy.
- c.Stir the mashed beans back into the mixture and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken further.
- d.Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Ladle the hot white beans and sausage over a generous portion of cooked white rice.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to pulse the beans a few times directly in the pot before the final simmer.
- 2Don't add salt until the end. Adding it early can prevent the beans from becoming tender.
- 3If you can't find andouille, smoked kielbasa or another spicy smoked sausage is a good substitute.
- 4This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if it's too thick.
- 5For a richer, smokier flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the pot along with the beans and broth. Remove it before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the andouille sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning, or serve with your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce.
Quick VersionQuick Version
Use 3 cans (15 oz each) of cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained. Reduce the broth to 4 cups and simmer for only 30-40 minutes in Step 3.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
High in Protein
The combination of beans and sausage delivers a significant amount of protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, and maintaining muscle mass.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the beans and rice are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this White Beans and Rice recipe contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the type of sausage used and serving size of the rice. It's a hearty, energy-dense meal.