Andouille, Chicken, Red Bean and Rice Pilaf

[nverland]

Andouille, Chicken, Red Bean and Rice Pilaf
Servings: 7 to 8 (makes about 11 cups) Total time: 55 mins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (4 ounces), finely chopped (3/4 cup)
2 links smoked andouille sausage (8 ounces total), cut lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wedges (1 cup)
2 1/2 cups (1 pound) cooked/leftover boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut or shredded into bite-size pieces
One (15-ounce) can no-salt-added red beans, rinsed and drained
Fine salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups no-salt-added chicken broth
1/2 cup water (may substitute more broth; optional)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Steps

1. In a medium bowl filled with cold water, soak the rice for 20 minutes, then drain well.
2. Meanwhile, position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.
3. In a large ovenproof sauté pan, skillet or shallow braising pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and stir to coat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the andouille, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, tossing the mixture occasionally, until the sausage just starts to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the soaked and drained rice, chicken and beans, then season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer to the oven.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. Test the rice for doneness; if it’s still firm and no liquid remains, add the water, re-cover the pan or skillet, and return to the oven to cook until the rice is tender.
5. Uncover, stir in the parsley and serve hot.

Substitution suggestions + other tips and ideas:

If you don’t have basmati rice >> use another long-grain white rice. If you prefer brown rice, you may need to increase the bake time and use more water.
Yellow onion >> red or white onion.
If you can’t find andouille sausage >> try smoked kielbasa or Spanish chorizo.
Instead of cooked chicken >> opt for cooked pork or more beans.
Red beans >> pinto beans, black-eyed peas or other variety of your choice.
Canned beans >> 1 1/2 cups home-cooked beans.
To make it vegetarian >> use plant-based sausage, chorizo or spicy tofu.