New Orleans–Style Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Ingredients (18)
1 pound (450g) red kidney beans
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil or lard
1 pound (about 450g) cooked andouille sausage , cut into 1/2-inch disks
1 large onion , finely chopped (about 12 ounces; 340 g )
1 green bell pepper , stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped (about 8 ounces; 225 g )
4 ribs celery , finely chopped (about 8 ounces; 225 g )
4 medium cloves garlic , minced
1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon (3 to 15g) ground cayenne pepper (depending on how hot you like it)
1 teaspoon (about 4 g ) ground sage
Freshly ground black pepper
1 smoked ham hock (optional)
8 ounces (225g) pickled pork shoulder or rind (optional; see note)
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 bay leaves
Hot sauce , such as Crystal or Frank's, to taste
Cider vinegar , to taste (optional; see note)
Cooked white rice , for serving