Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Red Beans and Rice (Copycat Recipe)

This classic recipe for Red Beans and Rice captures the rich, hearty flavors of the traditional dish served at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. With tender red beans simmered with smoked sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfectly paired with fluffy rice, it meets dietary needs while delivering a taste of Southern comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse and soak the dried red beans overnight in water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sausage is browned.
4. Add the soaked red beans, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary.
6. Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the red beans over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.