Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slow Cooker Spicy Red Beans and Rice Delight?
It is a hearty and flavorful dinner dish that combines roasted tomato puree, kidney beans, rice, and smoky chipotle, cooked low and slow for a nutritious meal.
How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
There are 105 calories per serving in this red beans and rice dish.
What is the fat content for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 1.75g of fat.
How many grams of protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 6g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate and fiber content?
It contains 17.5g of carbohydrates and 3.5g of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients required for this Slow Cooker Spicy Red Beans and Rice Delight.
What type of rice is used in this slow cooker recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked converted white rice.
How long should I cook the red beans and rice in the slow cooker?
Cook the mixture on the low setting for 3 1/2 hours until the rice is tender.
What provides the smoky spice in this dish?
The spice and smoky flavor come from 2 tablespoons of chipotle chili sauce.
Is there any preparation required before using the slow cooker?
Yes, you should first sautรฉ the chopped onion and minced garlic in a nonstick skillet for 2 to 3 minutes.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 3 to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
What kind of tomato base is used?
The recipe uses 14 1/2 ounces of roasted variety canned tomato puree.
Are the beans used in this recipe canned or dried?
This recipe uses 15 ounces of canned kidney beans that have been drained and rinsed.
Does this recipe include meat?
Yes, it includes 2 slices of reduced-fat bacon that are cooked and crumbled.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While tagged as vegetarian in some contexts, it contains bacon and chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, substitute those with plant-based alternatives.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of fat-free chicken broth.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
Seasonings include dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chipotle chili sauce.
How should I garnish the dish before serving?
Stir in freshly chopped cilantro and chopped scallion green parts just before serving.
What kind of cooking spray is used for sautรฉing?
The recipe suggests using garlic-flavored cooking spray.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an easy slow cooker recipe that yields a hearty meal, making it a great option for dinner or meal prep.
Can I use any type of onion?
The recipe specifies one small chopped onion.
What makes this dish a 'comfort food'?
The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld, creating a satisfying, warm, and protein-rich meal.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and crumbled before being added to the rice mixture.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients or nutritional information for this recipe.
What is the prep time for the aromatics?
Sautรฉing the onion and garlic takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I use fresh oregano?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, but fresh can be used as a substitute if adjusted for potency.
What does 'converted rice' mean in this recipe?
Converted rice is parboiled rice that has been partially cooked in its husk; it holds its shape well during slow cooking.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I serve this to a large group?
The recipe fits in a 3-4 quart slow cooker; you can scale the ingredients up if you have a larger slow cooker for more servings.