Instant Pot > Rice > Cajun

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt and black pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Instant Pot

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil and sauté the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

3. Add the rinsed and sorted red kidney beans and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

4. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" function and set the timer for 45 minutes.

5. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.

6. Open the Instant Pot lid and add the sliced smoked sausage. Stir to combine.

7. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" function and set the timer for 10 minutes.

8. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.

9. Open the Instant Pot lid and remove the bay leaf. Add the long-grain white rice and water. Stir to combine.

10. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" function and set the timer for 10 minutes.

11. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.

12. Open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Temperature:
Instant Pot on "Sauté" and "Manual" functions
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 545
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 1250mg
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as andouille or kielbasa.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
- Add hot sauce or more cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
- Add diced ham or bacon for a smokier flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse and sort the red kidney beans before using them.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for the specified time to avoid overcooking the beans and rice.
- You can use the "Keep Warm" function to keep the dish warm until ready to serve.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or scallions on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or scallions

Pairings:
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli

Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beans are not tender enough after the first cooking cycle, you can cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding the sausage.
- If the rice is not cooked through after the second cooking cycle, you can add more water and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to follow the Instant Pot instructions carefully to avoid any accidents.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the dish reaches 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Red beans and rice is a traditional dish from Louisiana Creole cuisine, which combines African, Native American, and European influences.

Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, spicy, savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Hearty, Comforting