Creating Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried red beans and soak them in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic and Sausage: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
4. Season the Mixture: Add Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
5. Combine with Beans and Broth: Add the soaked red beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Check for Doneness: After an hour, check the beans. They should be tender. If not, continue simmering for an additional 15-30 minutes.
8. Season to Taste: Once the beans are cooked, season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
9. Serve with Rice: Place a generous serving of cooked rice in a bowl and ladle the red beans over the top.
10. Garnish: Top with chopped green onions and serve with hot sauce on the side, if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.