Creole Red Beans Rice (Print Version)
Slow-simmered Creole red beans with smoked turkey and aromatic vegetables, served with steamed rice.
# What You Need:
→ Beans & Protein
01 - 1 lb dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
02 - 1 lb smoked turkey wings or legs
03 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Herbs & Spices
08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1 tsp black pepper
14 - 1 tsp salt
→ Rice
15 - 2 cups long-grain white rice
16 - 4 cups water
17 - ½ tsp salt
→ Garnish
18 - 2 green onions, finely sliced
19 - Hot sauce to taste
# Directions:
01 - Drain the soaked beans thoroughly and set aside for cooking.
02 - Heat a splash of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add smoked turkey, soaked beans, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
05 - Pour in chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are creamy and tender.
06 - Remove smoked turkey from the pot. Discard skin and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
07 - Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, mashing some beans against the pot side to achieve creamier consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
09 - Spoon red beans over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and hot sauce if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoked turkey adds incredible depth without being overpowering
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
- One pot delivers six generous servings with minimal effort
02 -
- Mashing some beans against the pot creates the velvety thickness that makes this dish authentic
- The beans continue thickening as they cool, so don't worry if it seems slightly thin when hot
- Smoked turkey can vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt at the end
03 -
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens all the flavors
- A pinch of sugar can balance acidity from tomatoes if you add them
- Letting the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld