Ingredients
Method
- Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the 12 oz sliced andouille sausage for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot over medium heat. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables and stir constantly for 45 seconds until the spices are toasted.
- Add the drained beans, browned sausage, 2 bay leaves, 4 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until the beans are completely tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. Mash roughly one-quarter of the beans with the back of a spoon, stir, and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat until the sauce is thick and creamy. Taste and adjust salt.
- Spoon the 3 cups cooked white rice into bowls, ladle the beans over the top, and finish with a pinch of smoked paprika and sausage slices arranged on top.
Notes
The beans need to be soaked the night before, so factor that into your planning — it is not active time, but it is easy to forget. If your beans are still firm at the 75-minute mark, just keep going; dried beans vary a lot by age and brand. The bean mixture stores and reheats far better than the rice does, so keep them in separate containers if you are making this ahead.
