Spicy Southern Vegetarian Red Beans & Rice
Experience the rich, comforting flavors of the South with this hearty vegetarian adaptation of the classic New Orleans Red Beans & Rice, crafted specifically for the pressure cooker. This recipe transforms dried red kidney beans into a luscious, thick gravy that can be enjoyed in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. Infused with aromatic vegetables and a carefully balanced spice blend, this dish offers a delightful kick that is sure to please any palate. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Vegetarian or not, this is a dish that celebrates Southern comfort food at its finest.
8
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
bell pepper
1 (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
3 tablespoons (chopped)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
bay leaves
2 (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
dried red kidney beans
1 lb (sorted)
water
7 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In your pressure cooker (without the lid), heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Sauté the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, sorted dried red kidney beans, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4
Seal the pressure cooker with the lid, ensuring the rubber sealing ring and rocker weight are properly installed. Heat on high until the rocker begins to oscillate, then reduce heat to maintain a slow rhythm (between 2 and 3 on an electric stove).
5
Cook under pressure for 45 minutes.
6
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pot from heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
7
Remove the lid carefully and discard the bay leaves.
8
Using a potato masher, partially mash the beans to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
9
Stir the mixture over medium-low heat for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the liquid, adding more water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the spicy mixture over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onion and hot sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Information
75g
Carbs
16.25g
Protein
250mg
Sodium
0mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Southern Red Beans & Rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is specifically crafted as a vegetarian adaptation of the classic New Orleans dish, using plant-based ingredients and liquid smoke for flavor instead of traditional meats.
What is the primary cooking method for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be prepared in a pressure cooker to achieve a luscious, thick gravy in under an hour.
How long do the beans need to cook under pressure?
The dried red kidney beans should be cooked under pressure for 45 minutes.
Do I need to soak the dried red kidney beans beforehand?
No, the instructions indicate using sorted dried red kidney beans directly in the pressure cooker without a pre-soak step.
How do I achieve a thick gravy consistency?
After pressure cooking, use a potato masher to partially mash the beans and then stir over medium-low heat for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
What vegetables make up the aromatic base of this dish?
The base consists of chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and a generous amount of garlic.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes cayenne pepper and hot sauce (optional garnish) to provide a delightful Southern kick.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this vegetarian recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What is the purpose of liquid smoke in this recipe?
Liquid smoke provides the deep, smoky flavor traditionally contributed by ham hocks or andouille sausage in non-vegetarian versions.
What should I serve with the red beans?
It is best served over fluffy hot cooked rice and garnished with chopped green onions.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 16.25 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the kidney beans.
How much water is required for the 1 lb of beans?
The recipe calls for 7 cups of water to cook the beans properly in the pressure cooker.
Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
You can, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly as table salt is more dense than kosher salt.
Should the pressure release be natural or manual?
The instructions specify allowing the pressure to release naturally after the 45-minute cook time.
Do I leave the bay leaves in the dish when serving?
No, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaves once the lid is opened.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried thyme and bay leaves for a classic Southern herbal profile.
Is Worcestershire sauce always vegetarian?
Standard Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies; to keep this recipe strictly vegetarian, ensure you use a certified vegetarian version.
What type of pressure cooker is required?
The recipe describes a stovetop pressure cooker with a rocker weight, but it can be adapted for modern electric pressure cookers.
Can I adjust the amount of cayenne pepper?
Yes, you can adjust the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper up or down depending on your heat preference.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic for a bold, aromatic flavor.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is approximately 250mg of sodium per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 75 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I add more water after the beans are cooked?
Yes, if the mixture is too thick after mashing, you can add more water while stirring over medium-low heat.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain barley malt vinegar.
What does it mean to 'sort' the dried beans?
Sorting means checking the dried beans for any small stones, debris, or damaged beans before cooking.
Can I use other types of beans?
While red kidney beans are traditional for this New Orleans style dish, other beans can be used, though the cooking time and texture may vary.