Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, uncooked rice, and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 7g
Sodium: 720mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any color bell pepper instead of green.
- If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- You can use any type of canned beans instead of red kidney beans.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Variations:
- Add sliced andouille sausage or cooked chicken for a meatier version.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Add chopped celery for extra flavor and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the rice before adding it to the pot to remove excess starch.
- If the rice is still undercooked after 25 minutes, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until done.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Cornbread
- Steamed vegetables
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Collard greens
- Fried okra
- Mac and cheese
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is still undercooked, add more liquid and continue cooking until done.
- If the rice is overcooked and mushy, reduce the cooking time or use less liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the rice to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Red beans and rice is a classic dish from Louisiana Creole cuisine, traditionally made on Mondays with leftover ham bones from Sunday dinner.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, smoky, spicy
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A