Red rice and beans recipe

This is the only Rice and Beans recipe you'll ever need! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is filling and very tasty.

Red rice and beans hold a cherished place in many culinary traditions, particularly within the Southern United States and Caribbean cultures. Originating from the necessity of utilizing local ingredients, the dish reflects the resourcefulness of communities. 

Notably popular in Louisiana, this hearty meal stems from Creole and Cajun cuisine, where simple legumes and grains serve as a staple. Recipes have evolved through generations, creating family favorites often passed down at gatherings. 

I make this hearty Rice and Beans every week, and my heart tells me so will you. This dish will become a favorite thing to serve in your house.  Let’s not lose any time and get straight to the basics.

How do you sort and soak beans?

Though red beans and rice is the best known version of this dish, it is frequently made with other types of beans, and you can do the same if you'd like. Pink beans, white cannellini beans, even black beans will all taste great with the same basic technique. If you want to go with true red beans, pick up some dried red kidney beans.

You could make a quick version of red beans and rice with canned beans, but if you want really creamy texture and the best flavor, dried beans are the way to go. Some recipes suggest that you can cook the beans straight from dried without an overnight soak. 

You can, but it extends the actual cooking time by several hours, and I found that the results were not quite as creamy or evenly cooked. For the best results, soak the dried beans overnight in salted water. 

Salt can help soaked beans cook more evenly, as salt ions replace magnesium and calcium ions in the bean skins, allowing them to tenderize more readily. Salting the cooking liquid will also aid in this process. (The whole idea that salting the water prevents beans from softening is an easily disproven myth.)

What type of rice is ideal for Rice and Beans recipe?

Long grain white or brown rice works best for this dish. Personally, I prefer Organic Brown Rice for its flavor and health benefits, but white rice is perfectly fine too. White basmati or jasmine rice are also great options. Whatever rice you choose, make sure to follow the recommended cooking time and water to rice ratio, and adjust the recipe as needed.

Love beans? Try this Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe.

Is it healthy to eat beans and rice everyday?

Eating beans and rice every day can be healthy, but there are a few things to consider to make sure you're getting a balanced diet. Beans and rice together form a complete protein, which means they provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a good source of protein, especially for vegetarians or people looking to cut back on meat. 

Red beans nutritional info: This dish boasts numerous health benefits, making it a wholesome choice for families:

• Energy 1175 kj (281cal)
• Protein 9.9g
• Total Fat 5.9g

• Saturated 0.9g
• Carbohydrate Total 47.1g
• Sugars 4.2g
• Sodium 448.8mg

If you're rotating different types of beans and incorporating other nutrient-dense foods throughout the week, beans and rice can be a very healthy, affordable, and filling option. Do you usually pair it with any veggies or other side dishes? That could help add more variety and nutrients!

Ingredients needed for red beans and rice

This is the only Rice and Beans recipe you’ll ever need! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is filling and very tasty. 

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes or to taste
• 1 medium onion diced
• 14.5 oz. 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 large bell pepper diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 cups long grain brown rice

• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 16 oz. 1 can red beans, rinsed
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped

I honestly can’t wait for you to try it! Made with pantry staples that are available at any grocery store, it's so simple and easy.

How do you make beans step by step?

In a large, heavy bottomed pot or skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil for about 3-5 minutes over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a minute.

Add the diced tomatoes and keep cooking, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. At this point, add the rice and veggie broth (Cooking time may vary depending on the kind of rice used. 

Follow the instructions on the rice package to get an accurate cooking time). Stir everything well and bring to a boil. Cover with a tight lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Stir in the red beans and cilantro. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve.

How to add flavor to canned red beans?

One of the delightful aspects of red rice and beans is its versatility with vegetables. 

• Add other seasonings. Try this recipe with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or fresh cilantro.
• Add other vegetables. Make this beans and rice recipe with yellow onion, green onions, cloves of garlic, green bell pepper, or carrots. 

• Make it meaty. Add some andouille sausage or ground beef to this recipe for a more satisfying meal the whole family will love.
• Add a citrusy note. Drizzle some lemon juice or lime juice on this Caribbean rice dish for a fresh flavor.

Experimenting with seasonal vegetables not only enhances flavor but also creates a vibrant dish, making it all the more visually appealing. For a healthy recipe , you can found  Old Fashioned Kidney Bean Salad recipe , or vegan red beans and rice recipe.

What do you serve with red beans and rice?

I polled a bunch of Cajuns and South Louisiana food lovers to see what they serve with their red beans and rice. Some of the favorites to serve with red beans were , pork chops, collard greens, , white bread, coleslaw, shrimps, and of course some sweet tea to wash it all down with! Don’t forget a hefty dose of hot sauce.

Meaty red beans and rice can be a rich dish, so it goes well with an acidic topping to balance out the fattiness. Vinegar based hot sauces work well for this, or even pickled vegetables and cole slaw.

Recap of Red Rice and Beans Recipe

Red beans and rice recipe is more than just a meal; it's a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. With its roots in Louisiana Creole cuisine, this dish combines hearty ingredients like red beans, andouille sausage, and the "holy trinity" of vegetables bell pepper, onion, and celery. 

Soaking the beans overnight enhances their creaminess, while slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

This recipe invites creativity and personalization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, vegetables, or meat options to tailor it to your family's palate. Serve it with a splash of hot sauce for excitement, and consider pairing it with cornbread or collard greens.

 Each bowl serves up warmth, comfort, and a connection to tradition making red beans and rice recipe a beloved staple that resonates deeply within the heart of American cuisine. Enjoy every satisfying mouthful!