Extremely Easy Louisiana Homestyle Redbeans and Sausage

There are good red beans and sausage recipes and there are bad. Sadly, most are bad. They are either too bland, too watery or too seasoned. This recipe will make you feel like you're a master Cajun chef! I personally think that Popeye's fast food has the best red beans on the planet, but these are a close second and it's LOT cheaper. Please note: In order to make this taste as intended, you will want to use the ingredients I list, including the EXACT brand names. Using the correct ingredients will yield a rich, creamy, smokey flavored red beans and sausage delight! Best served in a double portion over a single portion of white rice. For a unique flavor, substitute white rice with cajun dirty rice, which is rice dressing as most cajuns call it.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 6 Cups

Ingredients

• 32  ounces  red beans (2 regular cans of Blue Runner Creole Cream Style)
• 1  lb smoked sausage (Richard's Brand Beef and Pork works best)
• 1⁄2 cup warm water
• 2  tablespoons  creole seasoning (Tony Chachere's Original)
• 1  teaspoon  dried Italian seasoning (The cheap oregano and thyme type will work)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1  teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Slice the Richard's Beef and Pork Sausage into medium-thin slices.
2. Put the sliced sausage into a 3-4 quart pot and brown on low to medium heat. Add the 2 Tbs. of Tony Chachere's Seasoning when sausage begins to simmer and stir. Allow the sausage to brown and crisp, but be careful not burn! Stir regularly until the sausage has browned properly. Do not drain the remaining oil.
3. While the sausage is browning, open both cans of Blue Runner Cream Style Red Beans and put aside until the sausage is browned to your satisfaction.
4. Lower your heat to lowest setting and add the 1/2 cup of warm water and both cans of red beans to the sausage.
5. Add 1 teaspoons Dry Italian Seasoning, 1 teaspoons Ground Pepper and the optional 1/2 teaspoons of Salt and stir well. Pay attention to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Increase the stove heat to just above the lowest setting, cover and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Make sure to check and stir every few minutes. If too much liquid has evaporated, add a little warm water and stir.
7. Serve over white rice or dirty rice in a 2:1 ratio (Twice the amount of red beans to white rice portion).
8. Note: You can substitute Richard's brand sausage with Savoie's brand easily, but if neither is available, you'll have to trust your instincts on what type to get. Most people in Louisiana know and love Blue Runner's brand of home-style beans, so if it isn't available in your area, you can try to substitute with another brand. Chances are it won't taste as good, and you'll have to mash and season the beans more. Local Louisiana Wal-Mart stores should carry Blue Runner, though.
9. For an added kick you can use "hot" flavored sausage instead of regular.
10. Refrigerate or freeze left-overs. When reheating, add a small amount of water.