Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is a classic recipe that's both hearty and freezer-friendly. Add a little cajun seasoning and top it with some hot sauce for a truly New Orleans-inspired dish.
Servings 4 people
Ingredients
- ½ pound red kidney beans covered with 2 inches of water and soaked 8 hours to overnight
- 4 ounces bacon ½ of an 8 ounce pack
- ½ yellow onion diced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper change this to ⅛ teaspoon if you aren't a pepper fan
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 servings brown rice cooked according to package directions
- green onions diced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Ensure the dried red kidney beans have been soaked in water for a minimum of 8 hours before starting this recipe. Be sure to drain them before using.
- Cook bacon over medium heat in a large pot. When both sides are done, take out the bacon, crumble, and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, salt, black pepper, and red pepper to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the soaked and drained beans, crumbled bacon, 4 cups of water, and the bay leaves to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Turn the bean mixture down to simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour.
- After the beans have softened, use a broad spoon to mash about ½ of the red beans into the side of the pot to thicken the mixture. Put the lid back on and simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls over brown rice and top with diced green onions if desired (remove the two bay leaves before serving). The leftover red beans can be frozen.
Notes
Tip: substituting water for chicken stock adds depth of flavor to the dish.
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Red Beans and Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 377
Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 19mg6%
Sodium 644mg28%
Potassium 510mg15%
Carbohydrates 53g18%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 170IU3%
Vitamin C 14.8mg18%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 2.7mg15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.