The BEST Red Beans and Rice

This red beans and rice recipe has a little bit of a kick. If you have kids who can't eat anything too spicy, omit the cayenne until you can taste-test! For us, this was PERFECT. 

1 pound of dried red kidney beans, rinsed 

1 yellow onion, chopped

5 ribs of celery, chopped 

16 ounces Cajun smoked sausage, cut in half lengthwise then sliced

1/4 tsp pepper 

1 tsp. chicken bouillon 

1 tsp. kosher salt 

1/4- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

2 bay leaves

1 T minced garlic

1 T Cajun seasoning 

6 cups water (to cover beans) 

5-6 cups of UNCOOKED rice 

1. Brown your sausage in a skillet.

2. Place all ingredients except rice into a crockpot. 

3. Cook on high for 8 hours or low for 10 hours.

4. An hour before serving, partially mash the beans with a potato masher. This will give the red beans and rice the thicker, creamier texture. 

5. Place on "warm" setting and cook your rice. Serve!