Straightforward Purple Beans and Rice Recipe (Wholesome & Flavorful!)

For those who love the daring flavors of traditional Louisiana-style crimson beans and rice however need one thing slightly faster for busy nights, this straightforward model is for you. My recipe retains the spirit of the normal dish with easy pantry components and some lighter swaps, like brown rice and loads of veggies.

I’ve made this one numerous occasions for weeknight dinners and meal prep. It’s hearty, comforting, and straightforward to drag collectively in about an hour. The mix of smoky andouille sausage, beans, Cajun seasoning, and the traditional veggie base creates a giant, satisfying pot of consolation meals.

Whether or not you might be feeding your loved ones or planning lunches for the week, this recipe delivers daring taste with little or no effort.

You could find the complete listing of components within the recipe card, however listed below are a couple of necessities that give this dish its taste:

• Kidney beans: Conventional crimson beans and rice recipes use small dried crimson beans, however crimson kidney beans maintain their form higher and are straightforward to search out canned. Utilizing canned beans means you don’t should take care of soaking dried beans or lengthy simmer occasions!
• Andouille sausage: This smoked Cajun sausage provides daring taste and slightly warmth to the dish. For those who can’t discover andouille, smoked sausage, or kielbasa can work as an alternative, however the flavors gained’t be as near the traditional.
• Cajun seasoning: I take advantage of my Selfmade Cajun Seasoningwhich is far milder than many store-bought variations. For those who like issues sizzling, go for it with a store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning mix!
• Brown rice: Purple beans and brown rice add a nutty taste and further fiber in comparison with the genuine model with white rice. It additionally helps make the dish extra filling and nutritious.
• The “holy trinity”: My model of the “holy trinity” is onion, bell pepper, and garlic. (The traditional trio is onion, bell pepper, and celery.) These aromatics prepare dinner right down to create the flavour base that makes crimson beans and rice so satisfying.

Beans are the star of this dish, however for those who’re searching for different straightforward methods to get pleasure from beans, take a look at my recipe for Beans On Toast for a fast, protein-packed snack or meal.

Let’s Discuss Cookware

You don’t want any fancy gear to make this crimson beans and rice recipe. Just a few primary kitchen instruments will do the job completely.

I like utilizing a Dutch oven as a result of it distributes warmth evenly and provides you loads of area to sauté the sausage and greens earlier than simmering every little thing collectively. For those who don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed giant pot will work simply advantageous.

You’ll additionally want a saucepan for the rice, as a result of it cooks individually whereas the beans simmer. A small to medium saucepan with a lid works completely. For those who favor a hands-off methodology, you’ll be able to simply prepare dinner the rice in an Instantaneous Pot or rice cooker whereas the crimson beans prepare dinner on the range.

Nice Jones

The Dutchess

That is hands-down my favourite Dutch oven. It’s a 6.75 quart enameled forged iron Dutch oven that’s tremendous high-quality and beautiful.

Methods to Make This Purple Beans and Rice Recipe

After I say this crimson beans and rice recipe is straightforward, I imply it! The method is generally hands-off as soon as every little thing is simmering, which makes it excellent for a simple weeknight stovetop dinner.

Begin by cooking the brown rice so it has loads of time to melt whereas the beans simmer. (Brown rice takes longer to prepare dinner than white rice!)

As an alternative of cooking it in plain water, I wish to simmer the rice in beef broth with slightly Cajun seasoning. Hen inventory works, too. The broth provides a deeper savory taste and helps the rice absorb all these Louisiana-inspired spices proper from the beginning.

Subsequent, warmth a big Dutch oven or pot and add the chopped andouille sausage. Let the sausage prepare dinner undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a pleasant browned edge.

Browning is essential as a result of it brings out the sausage’s smoky taste and creates small caramelized bits within the pan that can taste your complete dish. As soon as it’s browned, take away the sausage and set it apart for later.

In the identical pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. In Cajun and Louisiana Creole cooking, the combo of onion, bell pepper, and celery is named the “holy trinity.” It kinds the flavour base for a lot of traditional dishes. My model subs in garlic as the final word taste enhance.

Because the veggies prepare dinner, use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits left from the sausage. These bits add unbelievable taste to the ultimate dish. Let the greens soften and change into aromatic earlier than shifting on to the subsequent step.

Add the Beans and Simmer

As soon as the greens are tender, stir within the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Cajun seasoning, sizzling sauce, and broth. Convey every little thing to a delicate boil, then cut back the warmth and let it simmer.

Throughout this time, the flavors mix, and the sauce thickens barely. I all the time stir often so nothing sticks to the underside of the pot. Some recipes name for a potato masher at this level to interrupt up among the beans, but it surely’s not a necessary step.

Mix and Serve

When the rice is completed cooking, add it to the pot together with the browned sausage. (It’s okay if it’s slightly al dente.) Stir every little thing collectively so the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce.

Let all of it simmer for a couple of extra minutes so the flavors absolutely mix, then it’s able to serve. Prime with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy end, or simply get pleasure from it as-is!

You’ll be able to tweak the recipe primarily based on what you’ve got readily available or your dietary preferences, however it may well have an effect on a few of these traditional flavors. Listed below are some swaps that might work:

Methods to Serve It

One of the best crimson beans and rice is a hearty dish by itself, however any of those toppings can add an additional one thing:

• Shredded cheddar cheese for additional richness
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or bitter cream for creaminess
• Diced inexperienced onion for freshness
• Chopped parsley for a vibrant natural taste

What goes with crimson beans and rice? Listed below are a couple of nice pairings and facet dishes to spherical out the meal:

For a giant unfold, crimson beans and rice could be one element alongside smoked ham hocks, pork chops, or smoked turkey for a hearty Louisiana-style meal.

This recipe is ideal for leftovers and crimson beans and rice meal prep as a result of the flavors proceed to develop the subsequent day. Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-5 days. Simply ensure the beans are at room temperature earlier than inserting them within the fridge.

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium warmth or within the microwave. If the combination thickens an excessive amount of within the fridge, add a splash of broth or sufficient water to loosen it whereas reheating.

Meal prep tip: Divide the cooked crimson beans and rice into particular person containers for grab-and-go lunches all through the week. You may as well freeze a couple of parts so there’s all the time a simple do-it-yourself meal prepared when wanted.

A Little Purple Beans & Rice Historical past

Purple beans and rice are a traditional Louisiana dish with deep roots in New Orleans Creole cooking. In actual fact, it’s typically known as New Orleans crimson beans and rice, and shares some taste notes with dishes like gumbo.

The legend goes that it was historically made on Mondays, laundry day, utilizing leftover ham bones from Sunday dinner. The ham flavors would slowly simmer with the beans and greens in bacon fats whereas the wash was accomplished.Over time, it grew to become one of many area’s most beloved consolation meals, identified for its wealthy taste, easy components, and talent to feed a crowd.

What’s the key ingredient in crimson beans and rice?

The true secret is the mixture of smoky andouille sausage, the “holy trinity” vegetable base, and Cajun seasoning mix. These construct layers of taste that make the dish comforting and satisfying.

What does a bay leaf do when cooking crimson beans and rice?

Some recipes name for a bay leaf so as to add refined natural notes. My model skips it. The depth of taste comes from the sausage, spices, and greens, so that you gained’t miss it.

Are crimson beans and rice wholesome?

Sure! Beans present protein, potassium, and fiber, brown rice provides entire grains, and the greens carry nutritional vitamins and minerals like vitamin C. Utilizing leaner sausage or plant-based alternate options could make it even lighter with much less saturated fats. Including Greek yogurt as a garnish additionally supplies a lift of calcium and protein.

Are you able to freeze the “holy trinity” (onion, celery, and bell pepper)?You’ll be able to chop and freeze the holy trinity in parts forward of time. Simply sauté them from frozen or thaw rapidly earlier than including to your dish. They’ll nonetheless construct nice taste.