Red Beans and Rice
A comforting, smoky, and spicy Louisiana classic made completely vegetarian. Tender red beans are slow-simmered with the 'holy trinity' of vegetables and Cajun spices, served over fluffy white rice. A hearty one-pot meal that's full of soul.
For 6 servings
Soak the Beans
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water, picking out any stones or debris.
- Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of cold water.
- Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the beans again.
Sauté the Holy Trinity
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity'). Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and translucent but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Beans
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let it simmer for 90 to 120 minutes. Stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- The beans are done when they are completely tender and creamy.
Cook the Rice
- About 20 minutes before the beans are finished, cook the rice according to package directions.
- Typically, this involves bringing 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water to a boil, then reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Finish and Thicken
- Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot.
- Stir the mashed beans back into the pot. This will naturally thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
- Stir in the salt and optional liquid smoke. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may need more salt or a pinch more cayenne.
- Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Ladle the creamy red beans over a generous serving of hot cooked rice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, with your favorite hot sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't add salt until the end of cooking. Adding salt too early can make the bean skins tough and increase cooking time.
- 2For an even creamier texture, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the beans a few times at the end instead of mashing.
- 3The flavor of this dish deepens overnight. It's an excellent make-ahead meal for lunches or dinners.
- 4If you forget to soak the beans, you can do a 'quick soak': cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Then drain and proceed with the recipe.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
For a heartier dish, sauté 8-12 ounces of sliced plant-based andouille sausage with the holy trinity until browned.
Use a Pressure CookerUse a Pressure Cooker
To save time, cook in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Sauté the vegetables, then add soaked beans and liquids. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Different BeansDifferent Beans
While red kidney beans are traditional, you can also use small red beans or pinto beans for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Red beans are loaded with dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a complete protein when served with rice, making it an excellent meal for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall energy.
Heart Healthy
Being low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol, this recipe supports cardiovascular health. The fiber in beans can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Packed with Micronutrients
Red beans are a good source of essential minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport; magnesium for nerve function; and folate, which is crucial for cell growth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. It's packed with plant-based protein, high in dietary fiber which aids digestion, and rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, and magnesium. It's also naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free.