Description
Louisiana White Beans are a Southern classic—a hearty, creamy dish that’s bursting with flavor. Made with tender white beans, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect as a main course or a comforting side. Serve it over rice or with cornbread for an authentic Louisiana experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried white beans (such as navy beans or Great Northern beans)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb smoked sausage or turkey sausage, sliced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Rinse the dried white beans and remove any debris.
- Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. (Alternatively, use the quick-soak method: boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour.)
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for another 5 minutes to brown slightly.
Step 3: Simmer the Beans
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the Creole seasoning, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
- Once the beans are tender and creamy, mash some of them with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to thicken the mixture slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Creole seasoning.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the beans over cooked white rice, if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the beans ensures they cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
- Customize the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American