In the vibrant city of New Orleans, tradition runs deep, especially when it comes to food. One beloved and time-honored dish is New Orleans Red Beans and Rice, a savory and hearty meal traditionally served on Mondays. While it’s known for its comforting and flavorful qualities, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt for vegetarian or vegan preferences. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the preparation of this classic dish:
SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup butter or vegan margarine
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 4 bay leaves
- 8 cups cooked long-grain white rice
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the butter or vegan margarine.
- Sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic for 3–5 minutes over high heat, until they become tender and aromatic.
- Add the drained red kidney beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the water, followed by the salt, liquid smoke, vegan Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours.
- During this time, the flavors will meld, and the beans will become tender and infused with the delicious seasonings.
- Once the slow cooking process is complete, remove the bay leaves from the mixture.
- To serve, scoop the flavorful red beans over portions of cooked long-grain white rice.
VARIATION:
Add a “Meaty” Twist
- Traditionally, red beans and rice include meats like sausage and ham hocks. For a vegetarian or vegan version with a meaty essence, consider adding cooked, sliced vegetarian sausage and chunks of cooked vegetarian bacon right before serving. This adds a satisfying depth of flavor to the dish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Pair your New Orleans Red Beans and Rice with a side of cornbread, collard greens, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
This New Orleans classic offers a rich and savory taste of Southern tradition. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian or vegan dish or with a meaty twist, the combination of tender red beans, aromatic seasonings, and fluffy rice is sure to delight your taste buds. Share this timeless favorite with your loved ones and celebrate the flavors of New Orleans any day of the week!
