Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight
Savor the bold flavors of the South with this Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight. This hearty dish is a celebration of spices, combining tender red kidney beans with richly flavored tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and your choice of protein for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, you can customize it with cooked ground beef, crispy bacon, or spicy smoked sausage for an extra kick. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream for a cool contrast to the dish’s fiery flavors. Don't forget to sprinkle in some homemade Creole seasoning for an authentic touch!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
3-4 tablespoons (N/A)
Onion
1 medium, chopped (Chop before cooking)
Garlic
1-2 tablespoons, chopped (Chop before cooking)
Green bell pepper
1, chopped (Chop before cooking)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (N/A)
Chili powder
1-2 tablespoons (Choose regular or chipotle)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Tomato sauce
2 cups (N/A)
Stewed tomatoes
1 (13 ounce) can (Include juice)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (N/A)
Louisiana hot sauce
1-2 teaspoons (optional) (Add if desired)
Red kidney beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (Drain and rinse)
Bacon
5-8 slices, cooked and chopped (optional) (Cook and chop before adding)
Cooked rice
4 cups (Cook according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, and paprika, cooking for 1 additional minute to toast the spices.
4
Pour in the tomato sauce and canned stewed tomatoes, along with their juices. Season with salt to taste and add sugar to balance the acidity if necessary. Stir in the Louisiana hot sauce if you prefer it extra spicy.
5
Rinse and drain the red kidney beans, then incorporate them into the skillet. If you're using cooked ground beef or bacon, mix them in as well.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7
Serve the bean mixture over a bed of warm cooked rice, and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cajun Red Beans and Rice Delight?
It is a hearty Southern-style dish featuring red kidney beans, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices served over rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the main vegetables used in the base?
The base uses chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper for approximately 8 minutes until softened.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, and optional Louisiana hot sauce.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans.
Should the kidney beans be drained?
Yes, you should rinse and drain the red kidney beans before adding them to the skillet.
How long does the bean mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, crispy bacon, or spicy smoked sausage.
How much rice is needed for serving?
The recipe recommends serving the beans over 4 cups of warm cooked rice.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is there a recommended topping for this dish?
A dollap of sour cream is recommended to provide a cool contrast to the spicy flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by omitting the bacon or ground beef, this dish serves as a hearty vegetarian option.
What type of tomato products are required?
You will need 2 cups of tomato sauce and one 13-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
Do I include the juice from the stewed tomatoes?
Yes, add the canned stewed tomatoes along with their juices into the skillet.
How much oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 3-4 tablespoons of oil.
What kind of chili powder is best?
You can use either regular chili powder or chipotle chili powder for a smokier flavor.
How much garlic should I add?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of chopped garlic depending on your preference.
When do I add the spices?
Add the red pepper flakes, chili powder, and paprika after the vegetables have softened, cooking for 1 minute.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the main bean component is prepared entirely in one large skillet.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
If using bacon, cook 5-8 slices until crispy and chop them before mixing into the beans.
Can I use Creole seasoning?
Yes, adding homemade Creole seasoning can provide an even more authentic touch.
What is the heat level of this dish?
It is described as spicy and fiery, though you can adjust the hot sauce to your liking.
How often should I stir the beans while simmering?
Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the 1-hour simmering process.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
The recipe specifies canned stewed tomatoes, but fresh can be substituted if cooked down appropriately.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is a thick, hearty bean mixture served over fluffy rice.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of paprika.
Is salt added at a specific measurement?
No, salt should be added to taste during the cooking process.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large skillet is best to accommodate the beans, tomatoes, and vegetables.
Can I use other types of beans?
While red kidney beans are traditional for this Cajun dish, other beans could be used as a variation.