Paul'S Red Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Cajun

Paul's Red Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring spicy sausage, smoky seasonings, and tender kidney beans, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 3 (15 oz.) cans dark red kidney beans
  • 1 onion, chopped fine
  • 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 1/2 cans water
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown sausage in a black iron pot. Remove sausage.
  2. Sauté onion in sausage drippings until translucent.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
  4. Add red beans, all seasonings, and water to the pot.
  5. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of smoked sausage and andouille sausage. If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian, swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of water. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the taste. Don't forget to soak your beans overnight if using dried beans for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paul’s Red Beans over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a filling meal. A side of cornbread or a simple green salad pairs nicely. For those wanting a heartier dish, consider adding a scoop of your favorite hot sauce. This dish also complements nicely with Kapusta(Polish Sauerkraut With Spareribs) for a flavorful spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Paul'S Red Beans contains roughly 487 calories, with 19g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (263% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 709mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

487 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.9g 38% DV
Total Fat 25g 32% DV
Carbs 83.7g 30% DV
Fiber 38.1g 100% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 708.9mg 31% DV
Potassium 2685.2mg 57% DV
Cholesterol 10.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2370mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 87.8mg 98% DV
Calcium 302mg 23% DV
Iron 12.1mg 67% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried beans, but make sure to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Dried beans will need about 2-3 hours of simmering. Also, remember to add more water as needed to keep the beans submerged during cooking.

What can I serve with Paul’s Red Beans?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions. Additionally, serving with a side of hot sauce allows each person to customize the spice level to their liking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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