Name: Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight); 1 tablespoon oil; 4 vegan sausages (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 1 medium green bell pepper (diced); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 5 cups vegetable stock; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 3 cloves garlic (chopped); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional); ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); Salt to taste; 1 cup long white grain rice

Why Make This Recipe

Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines tasty ingredients, making it a perfect meal for anyone looking for comfort food. This recipe is not only filling but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re vegan or just want to try something new, this dish is a great choice.

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How to Make Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight)
1 tablespoon oil
4 vegan sausages (I used Beyond Sausages, sliced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
5 cups vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Salt to taste
1 cup long white grain rice

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the sliced vegan sausages and cook until they start to brown.
Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, vegetable stock, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic.
Drain the soaked red beans and add them to the pot. Season with black pepper and vinegar. If your stock, sausages, and Cajun seasoning are salty, taste and adjust with salt closer to the end of cooking.
Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the beans are soft. Add more water if needed.
Meanwhile, cook the rice as directed on the package.
To help thicken the stew, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and serve with rice.

How to Serve Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Serve the Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice in bowls. Spoon a generous amount of the bean stew over fluffy rice. You can garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor and color. Enjoy it hot, and feel free to add hot sauce if you like some heat!

How to Store Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Louisiana-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Soak the beans overnight to ensure soft texture and reduce cooking time.
If you want a creamier texture, mash more beans.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your taste. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.

Variation

You can add more vegetables, like carrots or spinach, to increase the nutrition. Some people also like to add crushed tomatoes for a different flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes, you can use canned red beans. Be sure to drain and rinse them, and reduce the cooking time.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegan sausages and Cajun seasoning, this recipe is gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this dish spicy?
A: Yes! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make it spicier according to your taste.