Best 4 Lean Red Beans And Rice Recipes

Red beans and rice, a hearty and flavorful dish, is a staple in many Louisiana kitchens. This classic dish is made with red beans, rice, the "holy trinity" of celery, bell pepper, and onion, and a variety of seasonings. Red beans and rice is typically served with cornbread, coleslaw, and hot sauce. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to prepare a delicious pot of red beans and rice, along with variations for a vegetarian version, a slow cooker version, and a pressure cooker version. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide has everything you need to create a satisfying and authentic red beans and rice dish.

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RED BEANS AND RICE

Red Beans and Rice image

Every Monday, you can find a pot of red beans and rice cooking in someone's kitchen in New Orleans. The food writer and New Orleans bon vivant Pableaux Johnson's house is no exception. The dish, an easy meal from when people used to reserve Monday to do the wash, was once made with the pork bone left over from Sunday supper. In this version, Mr. Johnson strongly encourages the use of hand-made Louisiana Andouille, but smoked sausage will do.

Provided by Kim Severson

Categories side dish

Time 6h30m

Yield About 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 1/2 pound dried red beans (preferably New Orleans Camelia brand)
1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced 1/2-inch thick (smoked sausage can also be used)
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium onions, finely diced
1 large rib celery, finely diced
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh green onions, chopped
Cooked white long-grain rice, for serving

Steps:

In a large bowl, cover beans in water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. (Water should cover beans by at least an inch.)
In a large, heavy pot, brown sausage in 1 tablespoon of oil until slightly crisp. Add remaining oil, then the garlic and onions. Sauté over medium heat until onions become transparent and limp. Add celery and bell pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.
Pour soaked beans and water into the pot and bring to a simmer. Add black pepper, cayenne, salt and all herbs except parsley.
Cook until beans are softened, about 11/2 to 2 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Fifteen minutes before serving, remove 1 cup of beans to a bowl and, using a fork, mash them and stir back into the pot to enhance the creamy texture of the dish. Add parsley and green onions. Simmer about 15 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning, and add up to 1 cup more water if beans seem too thick. Remove bay leaves. Serve over white long-grain rice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 317, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 18 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 324 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

AUTHENTIC LOUISIANA RED BEANS AND RICE

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice image

Authentic Cajun flavor! I grew up in Louisiana and love red beans and rice; these are just like I remember. Serve with Tabasco sauce for a little kick. My family loved to splash a little cider vinegar in each bowl.

Provided by MIAMI BEACH

Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Beans and Rice Recipes

Time 11h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 pound dry kidney beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups water
2 cups long grain white rice

Steps:

Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.4 calories, Carbohydrate 79.1 g, Cholesterol 32.9 mg, Fat 24.2 g, Fiber 10.1 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 603.9 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

RED BEANS AND RICE

Red Beans and Rice image

"I'm originally from Honduras, where beans are served in different variations for breakfast, lunch and dinner," relates Carin Perkins of Waukesha, Wisconsin. "This bean and rice dish has been enjoyed by my family for generations. It's not spicy but gets nice flavor from the cilantro and cumin.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
3 cans (16 ounces each) red beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups hot cooked rice

Steps:

In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion, green pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Add cilantro; cook and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the beans, salt, cumin and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over rice.

Nutrition Facts :

LEAN RED BEANS AND RICE

Lean Red Beans and Rice image

Categories Bean Pork Side Low Fat Mardi Gras Pork Chop Sausage Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup red beans
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 large onion,chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
6 ounces boneless smoked pork chops, well trimmed, diced
4 ounces andouille sausage,* diced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 1/2 cups water
Steamed rice
*A smoked pork and beef sausage, available at specialty food stores. Smoked bratwurst, kielbasa or smoked Hungarian sausage can be substituted.

Steps:

Soak beans in water to cover overnight.
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in pork chops, sausage, thyme and cayenne; sauté 2 minutes. Add beans and 3 1/2 cups water. Simmer over low heat until beans are creamy, about 1 1/2 hours. Serve with steamed rice.

Tips:

Soak the Beans: Before cooking, soak the red beans overnight in cold water to soften them and reduce cooking time. Soaking also helps remove some of the indigestible sugars, making the beans easier to digest.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery for a flavorful and nutritious dish. Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves add extra flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables before adding the beans and liquid enhances their flavor and creates a flavorful base for the dish.
Use a Variety of Spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder to create a flavorful and aromatic dish.
Simmer for a Rich Flavor: Simmer the beans and rice mixture for at least an hour or until the beans are tender and the rice is cooked through. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve with Cornbread or Rice: Red beans and rice is traditionally served with cornbread or rice. Cornbread adds a sweet and savory contrast, while rice provides a neutral base for the flavorful beans.

Conclusion:

This Louisiana-inspired lean red beans and rice recipe is a delicious, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that's easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of tender red beans, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether served with cornbread, rice, or your favorite sides, this classic Southern dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!