Simple Pink Beans and Rice Recipe (Wholesome & Flavorful!)

If you happen to love the daring flavors of traditional Louisiana-style pink beans and rice however need one thing somewhat faster for busy nights, this simple model is for you. My recipe retains the spirit of the standard dish with easy pantry elements and some lighter swaps, like brown rice and loads of veggies.

I’ve made this one numerous instances for weeknight dinners and meal prep. It’s hearty, comforting, and simple 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 total listing of elements within the recipe card, however listed here are a couple of necessities that give this dish its taste:

• Kidney beans: Conventional pink beans and rice recipes use small dried pink beans, however pink kidney beans maintain their form higher and are simple to seek out canned. Utilizing canned beans means you don’t need to take care of soaking dried beans or lengthy simmer instances!
• Andouille sausage: This smoked Cajun sausage provides daring taste and somewhat warmth to the dish. If you happen to can’t discover andouille, smoked sausage, or kielbasa can work as an alternative, however the flavors received’t be as near the traditional.
• Cajun seasoning: I take advantage of my Home made Cajun Seasoning, which is far milder than many store-bought variations. If you happen to like issues scorching, go for it with a store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning mix!
• Brown rice: Pink beans and brown rice add a nutty taste and additional 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 pink beans and rice so satisfying.

Beans are the star of this dish, however in case you’re searching for different simple methods to get pleasure from beans, try my recipe for Beans On Toast for a fast, protein-packed snack or meal.

Let’s Speak Cookware

You don’t want any fancy gear to make this pink beans and rice recipe. A number of fundamental kitchen instruments will do the job completely.

I like utilizing a Dutch oven as a result of it distributes warmth evenly and offers you loads of area to sauté the sausage and greens earlier than simmering every part collectively. If you happen to don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed giant pot will work simply nice.

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. If you happen to want a hands-off methodology, you may simply prepare dinner the rice in an Instantaneous Pot or rice cooker whereas the pink 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.

Easy methods to Make This Pink Beans and Rice Recipe

After I say this pink beans and rice recipe is simple, I imply it! The method is generally hands-off as soon as every part is simmering, which makes it good for a straightforward 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 a substitute of cooking it in plain water, I wish to simmer the rice in beef broth with somewhat Cajun seasoning. Rooster 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 vital as a result of it brings out the sausage’s smoky taste and creates small caramelized bits within the pan that can taste your entire 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 types the flavour base for a lot of traditional dishes. My model subs in garlic as the final word taste increase.

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

Add the Beans and Simmer

As soon as the greens are tender, stir within the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Cajun seasoning, scorching sauce, and broth. Carry every part to a mild boil, then scale back the warmth and let it simmer. 

Throughout this time, the flavors mix, and the sauce thickens barely. I at all times stir sometimes 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, however it’s not a vital 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 somewhat al dente.) Stir every part collectively so the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce.

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

You may tweak the recipe primarily based on what you could have available or your dietary preferences, however it could possibly have an effect on a few of these traditional flavors. Listed below are some swaps that might work:

Easy methods to Serve It

The perfect pink beans and rice is a hearty dish by itself, however any of those toppings can add an additional one thing:

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

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

For a giant unfold, pink 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 pink beans and rice meal prep as a result of the flavors proceed to develop the following day. Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-5 days. Simply make certain the beans are at room temperature earlier than putting 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 pink beans and rice into particular person containers for grab-and-go lunches all through the week. You can even freeze a couple of parts so there’s at all times a straightforward selfmade meal prepared when wanted.

A Little Pink Beans & Rice Historical past

Pink beans and rice are a traditional Louisiana dish with deep roots in New Orleans Creole cooking. The truth is, it’s typically known as New Orleans pink 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 performed.Over time, it grew to become one of many area’s most beloved consolation meals, identified for its wealthy taste, easy elements, and talent to feed a crowd.

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

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

What does a bay leaf do when cooking pink 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 received’t miss it.

Are pink beans and rice wholesome?

Sure! Beans present protein, potassium, and fiber, brown rice provides entire grains, and the greens deliver nutritional vitamins and minerals like vitamin C. Utilizing leaner sausage or plant-based 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 may 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.