Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Turkey Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 lb Dried Red Kidney Beans
• 12 oz Smoked Turkey Sausage
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 medium Green Bell Pepper
• 2 stalks Celery
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 6 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
• 6 cups Cooked Rice

Instructions

1. 1The night before, place the 1 lb dried red kidney beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of water. Let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the beans and rinse them well.
2. 2Cut the 12 oz smoked turkey sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add the smoked turkey sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. 3Dice the 1 medium onion, 1 medium green bell pepper, and 2 stalks celery. Add them to the same pot you used for the sausage. Cook over medium heat (325°F / 160°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened.
4. 4Mince the 3 cloves garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pot with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. 5Add the soaked and drained 1 lb red kidney beans, 6 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender when you bite into one. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. 6During the last 30 minutes of the beans simmering, return the browned 12 oz smoked turkey sausage to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered.
7. 7Once the beans are tender, remove and discard the 1 bay leaf from the pot. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash some of the beans against the side of the pot; this will help thicken the mixture. Stir in the 1 teaspoon hot sauce.
8. 8Serve the red beans and rice mixture over the 6 cups cooked rice.

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