Red Beans Rice Turkey Sausage (Printable)
A comforting Southern dish combining smoky turkey sausage, tender red beans, and aromatic vegetables served over fluffy rice.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 12 oz turkey sausage, sliced
→ Produce
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pantry Staples
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup water
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Cook the long-grain white rice according to package directions; ensure it remains warm until serving.
02 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm a light drizzle of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until lightly browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the browned sausage from the pot and set it aside.
03 - Using the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
05 - Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, chicken broth, water, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return the cooked turkey sausage to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has slightly reduced and the mixture has thickened.
07 - Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the red beans and rice mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper.
08 - Serve the red beans and turkey sausage hot over the prepared steamed rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It's like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, simple to make but profoundly satisfying.
- The blend of savory, smoky, and subtly spicy flavors dances on your tongue, making you want just one more spoonful.
02 -
- Rinsing canned beans thoroughly is a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor and sodium content.
- Don't rush the simmering; those last 30 minutes are crucial for the flavors to truly marry and deepen.
03 -
- For an extra layer of richness, try stirring in a tablespoon of butter or a dash of hot sauce right at the end.
- Leftovers are even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.