How to Make Authentic Southern Style Red Beans & Rice!

Southern style Red Beans & Rice are what comfort meals are all about. On Sundays, my grandmother would make a huge pot of southern style red beans with some white rice and warm buttery cornbread.

Once I started making this recipe for my family, I started adding turkey meat to the pot. When I tell you that it takes that authentic southern flavor to the next level, I'm not lying.

• This is such a versatile recipe. You can eat it either as a main dish traditionally or a side dish.
• Adding turkey enhance the flavor.
• This recipe is a true southern staple. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a buttery piece of cornbread and some fried chicken.

• Red Kidney Beans- These are my personal preference for this recipe. Because of the bean's naturally large size, they'll retain their shape during the cooking process.
• Andouille Sausages- Andouille sausages are typically seasoned with spices traditional of New Orleans based cuisine (i.e.- cayenne pepper, red chili flake, garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. When you cook the sausage in the pot, you're helping to build essential flavor.
• Onions, Bell Pepper, & Celery- I mean, did you think we were going to do a traditional New Orleans based dish without the holy trinity? This is essential in making red beans, gumbo, jambalaya, pretty much any dish within this region.
• Chicken Broth- Whether homemade or store bought, broth is essential in the flavor building process. I typically go for a lower sodium broth if it's store bought since the seasonings used will be a bit on the saltier side.

• Soak your beans in water overnight. Actually, this isn't just a best practice, it's absolutely necessary! Soaking the beans allows the complex carbs to break down and makes the cooking process much faster.
• Sear all of your protein (the sausages and turkey meat if using it). The sear essentially helps to build flavor and once that pan is deglazed, it will create such an amazing flavor you can't get just from seasoning.