This hearty New Orleans-style dish features kidney beans simmered slowly with tomatoes, onions, celery, green peppers, and a bouquet of herbs until thick and creamy. The combination of earthy beans and savory aromatics creates a rich, comforting texture that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive Sunday meal. Its a vegetarian-friendly staple that captures the essence of Cajun cooking without the meat, relying on deep flavors from garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Serve it spooned over warm brown rice for a satisfying, home-style experience that brings the spirit of the South to your table.
New Orleans Red Beans & Rice
Description
This hearty New Orleans-style dish features kidney beans simmered slowly with tomatoes, onions, celery, green peppers, and a bouquet of herbs until thick and creamy. The combination of earthy beans and savory aromatics creates a rich, comforting texture that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive Sunday meal. Its a vegetarian-friendly staple that captures the essence of Cajun cooking without the meat, relying on deep flavors from garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Serve it spooned over warm brown rice for a satisfying, home-style experience that brings the spirit of the South to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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Place 1 cup of soaked kidney beans and 4 cups of water in a large saucepan.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 to 2 hours to soak.
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Drain the beans and return them to the saucepan.
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Add the remaining 2 cups of water, tomatoes, garlic, onion, green pepper, celery, bay leaf, basil, thyme, pepper, salt, and hot sauce.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the mixture is thick.
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Remove and discard the bay leaf.
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Serve 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice on each of six plates.
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Spoon the red bean mixture evenly over the rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 390.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.5g3%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 90.0mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 85.0g29%
- Dietary Fiber 15.0g60%
- Sugars 5.0g
- Protein 25.0g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a richer flavor, you can add a smoked sausage or ham hock during the simmering process, though this recipe is vegan/vegetarian as written.
If using dried beans that haven't been soaked overnight, you can use the quick-soak method: boil for 2 minutes, then let stand for 1 hour.
The beans will continue to thicken as they cool. If the mixture is too thick when reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
