Cajun Red Beans & Rice – Spicy, Hearty & Comforting!
A classic Cajun dish featuring creamy red beans simmered in a spicy vegetable broth, served over fluffy white rice. Full of smoky heat from cayenne and Cajun spices, this comfort food staple is easy to make and perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried red beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring everything together and cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the soaked and drained red beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water if needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice in a separate pot according to package instructions.
- Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve the beans over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Soak the beans overnight for better texture and easier cooking.
For extra depth of flavor, add a bay leaf during cooking.
For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans against the pot with a fork.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the cayenne pepper.
Use homemade vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or extra bell peppers for nutrition and color.
Substitute brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content.
For extra depth of flavor, add a bay leaf during cooking.
For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans against the pot with a fork.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the cayenne pepper.
Use homemade vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or extra bell peppers for nutrition and color.
Substitute brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content.