Instant Pot Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Indulge in this New Orleans style Vegan Red Beans and Rice recipe for a true taste of Cajun cooking! Red kidney beans are seasoned with Southern spices and simmered to perfection for a rich, smoky flavor, then finished with spicy pan fried vegan sausage for a satisfying meatless dish served over rice

Red Beans and Rice is a classic dish that originates from Louisiana, deeply rooted in Creole and Cajun cooking traditions. Traditionally, this comfort food features red beans simmered slowly with meats, spices, and vegetables, served over rice.

This red beans and rice vegan dish is the ultimate savory comfort food! It is bursting with aromatic spices, a touch of liquid smoke, hearty vegetables, tender kidney beans, and flavorful vegan sausage, making it a satisfying alternative to the traditional meat based dish. 

The rich supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein allows you to nourish your body while also enjoying the flavors of a New Orleans red beans and rice recipe!  For more vegan bean recipes, try my kidney bean salad recipe vegan or my Old Fashioned Kidney Bean Salad recipe.

Red Beans and Rice ingredients

To prepare a delicious and satisfying Vegan Red Beans and Rice in your Instant Pot, you will need the following essential ingredients:

• 4 tbsp light olive oil or avocado oil , divided
• 2 cups celery, diced (about 3 stalks)
• 1 yellow onion, diced and 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed, picked through, and soaked for 8 hours
• 8 cups water
• 1 4 inch strip of kombu, optional
• 4 dried bay leaves

• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1-2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 3 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp liquid smoke, plus more to taste if desired

• 1 tsp cajun seasoning, plus more seasoning blend if your brand doesn't contain salt
• 2 cups rice, white or brown
• 12 oz vegan field roast smoked apple sausage or vegan Italian sausages, sliced
• 1 cup parsley, chopped

These ingredients come together to create a hearty and flavorful recipe that exemplifies classic southern comfort food.

Substitutes for Common Ingredients

If you’re missing some of these ingredients or have dietary preferences, here are a few easy substitutes:

• Vegetable Broth: You can use water with a bouillon cube or a homemade broth for flavor.
• Dried Red Beans: Small red or kidney beans work just as well if you can’t find the originals.
• Brown Rice: Quinoa or white rice can be used , try my Red bean recipes without rice.

These swaps can help you adapt the dish to your supplies or preferences while maintaining flavor. Cooking can be flexible, and experimenting often leads to delightful surprises!

Are red beans safe in Instant Pot?

Yes, red beans (such as kidney beans) are safe to cook in an Instant Pot, but there are a couple of important things to keep in mind:

• Soak the Beans First: It's highly recommended to soak dried red beans for at least 4-8 hours or overnight before cooking them. This helps reduce the cooking time and improves the texture. If you don’t soak them, the cooking time will need to be longer.

• Use Enough Water: When cooking in the Instant Pot, make sure to use enough water to cover the beans by a few inches. A general ratio is 1 cup of dried beans to 3 cups of water.

• Cook on High Pressure: After sealing the lid, cook the beans on high pressure for about 30-35 minutes if soaked (45-50 minutes if unsoaked), and then allow for a natural pressure release for best results.

• Avoid Using the Quick Release: When you release the pressure, do a natural release rather than quick release to prevent the beans from being undercooked or split.

Also, red beans (like kidney beans) contain lectins, a natural toxin that can be harmful if the beans are not cooked properly. So, always make sure to cook them thoroughly, as the Instant Pot helps to ensure they reach a safe temperature to neutralize those toxins. If you follow these guidelines, you should be good to go!

How to make rice and beans step by step ?

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once heated, add the celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a generous pinch of salt. Saute for 4-6 minutes, or until the onions are tender.

Add the beans, kombu, bay leaves, and thyme to the sautéed veggies. Add enough water or vegetable broth to cover the beans by a centimeter. If you are using water, add the veggie bouillon cube to the water. 

Cancel the sauté setting and secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Pressure cook the beans on high for 15 minutes. Once it has finished cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for another 15 minutes before quickreleasing the remaining pressure.

While the beans pressure cook, prepare the rice according to the package directions. Cook the sliced sausage in 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until golden.

When the pressure has released from the Instant Pot, stir in the smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and Cajun seasoning. Season to taste with more salt or bouillon. Stir in the vegan sausage. Serve over rice. 

What can I serve with red beans and rice?

When it comes to serving Vegan Red Beans and Rice, there are a few delightful ways to present this hearty dish. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle the mixture into warm bowls for a cozy, comforting feel.
• Pair with Rice: You can serve the beans over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a classic approach.
• Accompany with Cornbread: Pairing this dish with a side of cornbread adds a nice texture and flavor complement.

This makes for a satisfying recipe that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Recipe Pro Tips

Test a bean for doneness. You’ll know the beans are done cooking by the texture. Take one bean from the pot and press it gently between your fingers or on a cutting board; it should hold its shape but yield to pressure. They should be tender but not mushy.  Cook time may vary depending on the quality and age of your beans.

Gradually add the liquid smoke. The flavor of liquid smoke can be quite strong, so add it a little at a time and taste as you until the intensity of smokiness is to your liking. 

Double up on bouillon cubes. I like to use two bouillon cubes for a more flavorful and salty broth for this red beans and rice recipe with no meat.

Add some heat. Make this Cajun red beans and rice vegetarian dish extra spicy by increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce, using a spicy vegan sausage, or including diced jalapeños. 

Storage Directions

Refrigeration: Allow red beans and rice without meat to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. 

Freezing: Store leftovers in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. 

Reheating: Reheat in a pot or skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore the moisture until heated through or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. 

Red beans nutritional info

Vegan Red Beans and Rice is not just a comforting meal but a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s a quick look at the nutrient breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 340
• Total Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Dietary Fiber: 20.5g

• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 932mg
• Total Sugars: 3.5g

This rich composition makes it a fulfilling option, with a good balance of macronutrients to keep you energized.

Common Inquiries about Instant Pot Vegan Recipes

Cooking with the Instant Pot can raise several questions, especially with a recipe as beloved as Vegan Red Beans and Rice. Here are some common inquiries:

Do I need to soak the beans?: While not necessary, soaking your red beans for about 8 hours can aid digestion and enhance flavor.

Can I use canned beans?: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts, as canned beans are already cooked.

How can I adjust the spiciness?: To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños, extra Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce according to taste.