Follow these simple steps to create your Louisiana Red Beans and Rice:

1. Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing the dried red beans under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged beans.
2. Soak the Beans: In a large bowl, cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight. Alternatively, you can use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking) to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add Garlic and Sausage: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sausage, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Mix in Spices: Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine the flavors.
7. Combine with Beans and Liquid: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot. Pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring everything together.
8. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
9. Season to Taste: Remove the bay leaves and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
10. Serve Over Rice: To serve, place a generous scoop of the red beans mixture over a bed of cooked white rice.