# Components:
→ 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 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Rice
17 - 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
→ Garnishes
18 - Sliced green onions (optional)
19 - Fresh parsley (optional)
20 - Hot sauce (optional)
# Directions:
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 sliced sausage and ham, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
03 - Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Return sausage and ham to the pot. Add soaked beans, chicken or vegetable broth, water, bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and creamy. Add water if necessary.
06 - Remove ham hock if used, shred remaining meat, and return it to the pot. Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
07 - Serve hot over cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and hot sauce if desired.
