Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Jasmine Rice

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Jasmine Rice is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for any time you crave a little warmth and richness. This dish brings together smoky, spicy flavors with the creamy texture of red beans, making it a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and filling.

Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Jasmine Rice

Red beans are the heart of this dish, offering a creamy texture that absorbs all the wonderful spices. Andouille sausage plays a crucial role by adding a smoky, savory depth. The trio of onion, bell pepper, and celery forms the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking, providing a foundational flavor base. Garlic enhances the savory notes, while smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring warmth and spice. The herbs like thyme and oregano add earthy undertones, and bay leaves give a subtle aromatic hint. Chicken broth ties everything together with a rich, savory flavor. Jasmine rice is a fragrant, slightly sweet base that balances the dish. Finally, a sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you forgot to soak the beans overnight, a quick soak method is to boil them for one minute, then let them sit covered for an hour off the heat.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the andouille sausage before adding it to the pot.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beans and rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dry?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time since canned beans are already cooked. Add them after the veggies are sautéed and simmer for about 30 minutes.
What if I can't find andouille sausage?
Kielbasa or chorizo can be a good substitute, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the sausage. You can add more veggies or tofu for protein.

Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Jasmine Rice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving the red beans a good rinse under cold water, then soak them in a large bowl of water overnight. This will soften them up and reduce cooking time. The next day, heat up some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the andouille sausage and cook until it's browned and aromatic.

Next, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté these veggies until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about five minutes. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Let them cook for a couple of minutes to release their flavors.

Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

While the beans are cooking, prepare the jasmine rice. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Add the rice, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until it's cooked through.

Once the beans are tender, fish out the bay leaves and use a wooden spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will thicken the sauce nicely. Season the beans with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finally, serve the beans over the cooked jasmine rice, garnished with a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper gives this dish an irresistible kick.
  • Andouille sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that complements the beans perfectly.
  • Jasmine rice offers a fragrant and slightly sweet counterpoint to the spice.
  • It’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 lb dry red beans
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups jasmine rice
3 cups water
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the red beans in a large bowl of water overnight.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned.
3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beans are tender.
7. Meanwhile, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Add jasmine rice, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the bay leaves from the bean mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce.
9. Season the beans with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Serve the beans over the cooked jasmine rice, garnished with chopped parsley.

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