Red beans vegetarian recipe

Red beans are a staple in various cuisines, especially in Southern cooking. They are not only delicious but also quite versatile. Incorporating them into a vegetarian diet can elevate meals, offering both flavor and nutrition. 

If you’re not in Louisiana, you might not be aware that we're currently celebrating a huge carnival. Parades, marching bands, extravagant costumes, and plenty of beads are all part of the daily scene in the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. All of this has got me craving some classic New Orleans cuisine Red Beans and Rice!

A classic preparation, like the popular red beans and rice dish, brings together tender beans simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices. This comforting recipe is ideal for meals prep, making it a go-to dish for busy weekdays. Plus, it can be easily customized by adding different vegetables or spices to suit personal tastes.

Benefits of Red Beans in Vegetarian Diet

Red beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, especially for those following a vegetarian diet. Here are some key benefits:

• High in Protein: Red beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Fiber: They aid digestion and help maintain a healthy weight by keeping one feeling full longer.

• Packed with Nutrients: They contain vital vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate, supporting overall health.
• Antioxidant Properties: Their colorful skins offer antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.

Incorporating red beans into recipes is a delicious way to boost nutrition and enjoy heartwarming dishes.

Vegan red beans and rice : ingredients

To start, if this recipe feels like it takes too long, you don’t have to make it from scratch! You can simply buy a can of cooked red beans, enhance them with the same seasonings and spices (or just a few) I’ve listed here, and maybe toss in some sautéed onions for extra flavor—still delicious!

You could also use a crockpot or instant pot if you prefer, but that’s not how I do it.so we will need for the recipe : 

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans 
• ½ stick vegan butter (4 tablespoons)
• 10 cups water
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2-inch piece dried kombu 

• ¾ cup chopped shallots (1 large shallot)
• 4 medium-sized fresh bay leaves 
• 1 cup chopped celery (1 large stalk)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme 
• ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper (1 medium pepper)

• ½ cup shredded or diced carrots (1 medium carrot)
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh chopped sage leaves 
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano
• ½ cup chopped green onion

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups chopped ripe tomato (1 very large tomato)
• 1 small Thai chili, chopped (optional)

All recipes are rigorously tested in our test kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.

How to Make red beans vegetarian recipe – Step by Step?

Cover the beans with filtered water in a bowl and let them soak overnight (at least 8 hours). Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a large pot. Add 10 cups of filtered water and nothing else. 

Set the heat to the lowest setting on a gas stove or very low on an electric one. Let the beans cook uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. You may notice some white foam rising to the surface—just skim that off.

After 1 hours, add the kombu, bay leaves, olive oil, and plant-based butter. Stir well and continue cooking on low heat for another hour, stirring occasionally. After 4 hours total, add the "Vegetables and Seasonings." Continue to cook on low heat for another 2 to 3 hours, stirring every so often.

After about 6 hours of cooking, Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the beans to a boil. Let them cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat to low-medium and let them simmer. 

Continue simmering, stirring often, until the beans are tender and flavorful—this should take another 2 to 3 hours. If the beans aren’t softening after 3 hours, increase the heat slightly and keep cooking until they are tender, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Once the beans are tender, remove 1 cup of them, mash thoroughly or blend until smooth and creamy, then return it to the pot. Once the beans have thickened into a gravy-like consistency, you're done! Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve over fluffy white rice and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.

Finishing and serving the red beans and rice recipe 

Allowing the beans to cool and then refrigerating them for a day or two really enhances their flavor. Once reheated, they are absolutely delicious. Even though this recipe makes a large batch, I never seem to get tired of them, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way! The beans are best served with fluffy rice and either crusty French bread or a hearty slice of cornbread.

I truly hope you try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Keep in mind that this dish invites you to slow down and savor the process. Since the recipe takes a while to cook, you have plenty of time to prep the ingredients at your own pace. 

Feel free to add them as you go, chopping when necessary, and experimenting with different spices in a relaxed manner. It's a refreshing change from recipes that require everything to be prepped ahead of time. I really hope you enjoy the journey as much as the result of the recipe !

What to Serve with red beans vegetarian recipe?

A nice, fresh kale salad is amazing with red beans and rice.

Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment. This vegan cornbread looks fabulous! Mac and cheese hits the comfort food quotient out of the park! 

If you’re okay with eating dairy, I recommend The Best Mac & Cheese Ever or, for a hit of heat, jalapeño macaroni & cheese. If you’re vegan, you don’t have to miss out, because this dairy free mac and cheese is insanely good.