Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight. This quick and simple dish is not only hearty and filling, but it also bursts with authentic Cajun flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Cooked with juicy sausage, tender red kidney beans, and a medley of vegetables enhanced by aromatic spices, this dish offers a delightful taste of the Big Easy in the comfort of your home. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe allows you to enjoy generous helpings of rich, flavorful stew served over fluffy rice. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as it simmers, ensuring every bite is a celebration of Cajun goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked white rice
6 cups (cooked as per package instructions)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
Celery ribs
2 large (chopped)
Vegetable or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (add more as needed)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried sage
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
Cajun seasoning
1 1/4 teaspoons (recommend Tony Chachere's)
Sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa)
14-16 ounces (sliced lengthwise and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Red kidney beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and washed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your 6 cups of cooked white rice according to package instructions and set it aside.
2
In a Dutch oven or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat until shimmering.
3
Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to the oil, sauteing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
4
Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Saute the mixture for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
5
Next, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, dried parsley, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine.
6
Pour in 1 1/2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the spices.
7
Add the sliced and chopped sausage to the pot, followed by the drained and rinsed red kidney beans. Gently fold the ingredients together until well mixed.
8
Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced.
9
Perform a taste test, adding more Cajun seasoning if desired for an extra kick.
10
Remove the bay leaves from the mixture before serving.
11
To serve, spoon approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of the savory bean mixture over each portion of cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight?
It is a hearty New Orleans-style dish featuring red kidney beans, sausage, and aromatic vegetables served over fluffy white rice.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
Andouille sausage is preferred for an authentic Cajun taste, but Kielbasa is a great alternative.
Can I use dried red kidney beans instead of canned?
The recipe calls for canned beans for convenience, but you can use dried beans if they are soaked and cooked before starting the recipe.
How much rice do I need for this recipe?
You will need 6 cups of cooked white rice to serve with the bean mixture.
What vegetables are included in the 'Holy Trinity' used here?
The recipe uses the traditional Cajun vegetable base of onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
How spicy is the Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice?
It has a moderate kick from the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, both vegetable and chicken broth work well as the liquid base for this dish.
How long does the bean mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
Which Cajun seasoning brand is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning for authentic flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage or use a plant-based alternative and ensure you use vegetable broth.
What should I do if the bean mixture is too dry?
You can add a bit more vegetable or chicken broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
How should I serve the red beans and rice?
Spoon approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of the savory bean mixture over each portion of cooked rice.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaves from the pot once the simmering is complete.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a great healthy substitute, though white rice is more traditional for this dish.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How do I prepare the sausage for cooking?
The sausage should be sliced lengthwise and then chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Should the canned beans be rinsed?
Yes, the red kidney beans should be drained and washed before being added to the pot.
How much sausage is required for this dish?
The recipe requires between 14 and 16 ounces of sausage.
Can I add more Cajun seasoning after cooking?
Yes, the recipe suggests performing a taste test and adding more seasoning if you desire an extra kick.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion, pepper, and celery?
The vegetables should be sautéed for 6-8 minutes until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
What dried herbs are used in this Cajun dish?
The herb blend includes dried thyme, dried sage, and dried parsley.
Is there cayenne pepper in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare 6 cups of cooked white rice according to the package instructions.
What cookware is recommended for this recipe?
A Dutch oven or a large skillet is recommended for cooking the bean and sausage mixture.
How many cans of beans are needed?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, with a short simmer time and simple prep, it is considered a quick and simple meal.
How much broth is initially added?
The recipe starts with 1 1/2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, though if using fresh, you should use about three times the amount of dried parsley called for.
What makes this dish authentic to New Orleans?
The combination of the Holy Trinity of vegetables, Andouille sausage, and specific Cajun spices like Tony Chachere's provides an authentic flavor profile.