Savory Cajun Red Beans & Rice Delight

Sure, let’s dive into the delightful realm of Weeknight Red Beans and Rice, a comforting dish perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty and full of flavor, yet still quick and easy to prepare. 🍛🌶

This recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, marries the soulful essence of Cajun cuisine with the convenience of a weeknight meal, promising to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger in just 30 minutes from start to finish. With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Weeknight Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 celery stalk
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 slice turkey smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can beans (do not drain)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium non-stick pan with a lid.
   • Add the long grain rice and stir until most of the kernels are opaque.
   • Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. (For brown rice, adjust water and cooking time slightly.)

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Sausage:

   • While the rice is cooking, dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
   • In a large non-stick pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
   • Add the sliced turkey smoked sausage and sauté until heated through and slightly browned.

3. Add Seasonings and Beans:

   • Sprinkle in the red cayenne pepper and add the bay leaf.
   • Continue to stir and sauté for about three minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes and the entire can of beans (do not drain).

4. Simmer and Season:

   • Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
   • Once done, remove the bay leaf from the mixture.

5. Serve:

   • To serve, place about 3/4 cup of the cooked rice in the bottom of a soup bowl.
   • Ladle the red bean mixture over the rice.
   • Accompany with slices of French bread and additional hot sauce for those who like an extra kick.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 373.6
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.7g
• Cholesterol: 49.9mg
• Sodium: 740.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4.6g
• Protein: 15.3g

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or for meal prepping for the week ahead. With its balance of protein, carbohydrates, and flavorful vegetables, it’s not only delicious but also provides a satisfying and nourishing meal option.

Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal, this Weeknight Red Beans and Rice recipe is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let the aromas of this comforting dish fill your kitchen tonight! 🍽🔥