Vegan Red Beans And Rice

This dish is rich in plant-based protein, easy to make on a busy weeknight, and, best of all, inexpensive. You can make a meatless, dairy-free meal in about an hour that tastes like it’s been cooked all day!

All stews are delicious, but this vegan red beans and rice dish is one of my favorites. Thanks to its flavor, texture, and aromatics, this wonderful stew is a crowd-pleaser. In addition, it’s naturally gluten-free, and it’s very simple to prepare!

When you’re hosting a big dinner party, this meal will be one of your go-to options. This ‘Veganized’ Southern treat is easy to make. It’s a simple, comforting classic dish that I’m sure you’ll enjoy as well.

Red beans and rice is an Iconic dish of Louisianna Creole cuisine, it’s traditionally served on Mondays throughout Louisianna, and now it’s a popular Southeastern staple.

Traditionally the beans were cooked for hours with onion, celery, pepper, meat and served over rice.

I’m going to share how to make Southern red beans and rice from scratch. It is so easy to prepare and actually really flavorful. This recipe was definitely a hit, even without sausage, ham bone, ham hock, or bacon. You have to try it!

I added sauteed vegan sausage at the end. However, the dish tastes delicious without it because of the addition of smoked paprika, which gives it a smoky sausage flavor.

Here in the South, whenever I say I’m going to make beans and rice people always think I’m referring to Southern beans and rice when I’m actually talking about, my Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas with rice, Jamaican Rice, And Pigeon Peas or Jamaican Rice And Peas.

They are actually very different in how they are prepared and tasted. Read more about Red Beans And Rice here.

Some vegan sausages brands:

• Beyond Sausage: Vegan, Gluten-Free
• Tofurky Zesty Andouille – Vegan
• Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage – Vegan
• Lightlife Smart Dogs – Vegan, Gluten-Free

Why Do You like This Vegan Red Beans And Rice?

I’m sure you’ll love this recipe because:

• This meal is incredibly simple to prepare and uses things that we all have on hand.
• It’s a vegetarian dish. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of vegan and plant-based cooking. So I aim to include meatless recipes in our meal plan as often as possible, inexpensively, and to give us a break from meat-eating every night.
• You’ll love this vegan dish because it’s so tasty and filling! Beans, rice, and vegetables will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and this herb and spice blend provides a powerful flavor punch. Everyone will be satisfied after this meal.
• Perfect for hectic nights when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare, and really simple to make in the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot.
• This dish can be used in numerous ways. For example, this recipe can be served simply as beans and rice, or it can be used as a base for a lot of other dishes.

What Kind Of Beans Are In Red Beans And Rice?

I used red kidney beans for mine, but small red beans can be substituted.

What Is The Difference Between Red Beans And Kidney Beans?

Red beans are considerably larger than kidney beans. They also have a thicker skin that helps them to stand up in the long cooking process in chilis, stews, and soups.

Red beans have thinner skin and are smaller. They can be used in stews and soups, but they break down more easily than kidney beans.

You can make this dish with either! I like kidney beans, whether dark or light, for their creaminess and their ability to retain their shape until being cooked for an extended period of time. However, both types of beans work well in this recipe.

Do The Beans Need To Be Soaked Overnight?

You can cook the beans without soaking them overnight, but it will take longer.

How To Make Red Beans And Rice?

This recipe is quite simple and easy to make. You will just need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Dried kidney beans – these are beans of choice or you can use any red beans. 
• Avocado oil – perfect for sauteing the veggies or if you are on an oil-free meal plan then saute with water or vegetable broth. 
• Onion – gives flavor to your beans, yellow, white, or red onions work great in this recipe. 
• Bell pepper -adds amazing flavors and colors to your beans. I tend to go for ripe bell pepper.
• Celery stalk – a favorite addition to any Southern dish. It usually goes well with bell pepper and onions.
• Garlic -add flavors to the dish.
• Parsley flakes, Thyme, Oregano – add amazing flavors to the beans, you can also add some sage and 
• Smoked paprika – gives a smoky flavor to the beans. 
• Creole seasoning or store-bought Cajun/Creole seasoning
• Cayenne pepper – a little goes a long way!
• Vegetable broth – you can substitute with vegan bouillon cube and 8 cups water.
• Bay leaves – you can leave it out if you don’t have any. 
• Salt to taste

Directions

To make this easy red beans and rice

1. Sort and soak red kidney beans in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare Rice; check out my brown rice recipe.
3. Drain and rinse beans, set aside.
4. Heat oil on medium heat in a large saucepan and add onion, celery, pepper, and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, paprika, Creole Seasoning, cayenne pepper, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and kidney beans.
6. Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer for 60-90 minutes or until kidney beans are tender and you have the desired consistency.
7. Add salt and stir; check the taste. Mash some of the beans with the back of a wooden spoon to thicken. Serve with cooked rice and garnish with sauteed vegan sausage and chopped parsley

What Goes With Red Beans And Rice?

• The Best Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread
• Vegan Southen-Style Collard Greens
• Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage

What To Do With Leftover Red Beans And Rice?

Red beans and rice tastes better the next day. Store leftovers in separate covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add them to saucepans, add a little water or vegetable broth, and stir. Cook on low heat until thoroughly heated. 

What Is The Best Way To Reheat Vegan Red Beans And Rice?

It’s simple to reheat your leftover beans and rice after they’ve been frozen. They should be reheated as soon as possible.

In order to reheat them, you should need 1-2 teaspoons of water and a frying pan. This will be done in a low heat setting. While they’re cooking, mix the beans and rice to break up any clumps. Cook until the appropriate temperature is reached.

Alternatively, you may cook your beans and rice in 1-minute intervals in a microwave-safe container, stirring after every minute. A tip to keep them from drying out is to add a cup of water to the red beans and rice as they cook in the microwave.

This Red vegan beans and rice should never be left to thaw or kept in the refrigerator. Your rice will become very soggy as a result of this.

Can I Freeze Leftover Rice And Beans?

Rice and beans can undoubtedly be frozen! I adore making a big batch of vegan red beans and rice with enough for now and later! In order to avoid freezer burn, I let the vegan beans and rice cool to room temperature before double wrapping them.

Are Red Beans With Rice Suitable For Vegans?

Yes! Red beans with rice are vegan-friendly! In fact, it’s a terrific vegan recipe to keep on hand at all times. This is because ensuring that you are receiving enough protein is especially crucial if you are following a vegan diet. Red kidney beans and rice both contribute a significant amount of protein to a vegan diet.

What Can Other Ingredients Be Used To Make This Vegan Red Beans And Rice Dish?  

When it comes to adding things to beans and rice, there is no limit! If you are a meat-eater, you may use any type of meat. You can add more spice if you like it spicy, and if you like vegetables, you can add extra tomatoes, corn, squashes, and other vegetables.

Is Popeye’s Red Beans And Rice Vegan?

Popeye’s is a popular American fast-food chain originating from Louisiana. It became famous for its Southern-style fried chicken and red beans and rice.

I know that sometimes you might be out with your omnivorous friends and family, and they so happen to go to Popeye’s.

You are a hungry vegan, and you think that the only option to get at Popeye’s is red beans and rice. But, unfortunately, you won’t be able to eat it because it contains bacon.

Other Vegan Southern Recipes To Try

• Southern Black-Eyed Peas
• Vegan Gumbo
• Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
• Okra And Tomato Stew
• Vegan Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Vegan Southern-Style Succotash
• Gluten-Free Vegan Biscuit And Gravy
• Vegan Key Lime Pie

Recipe Notes

• As required, deglaze. If the vegetables stick to the pan, stir more regularly or add a little water or broth in it to keep the components loose.
• The use of salt will greatly enhance the flavor of this dish. However, don’t be put off by the salt. Season with salt frequently and sparingly.
• Cook for as long as possible. Cooking this dish for a longer period of time will result in a more flavorful dish, but it grows richer and more flavourful as it cooks. If you have time, leave it on a low flame for up to 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld. Then, simply add more broth as needed, as the longer, it simmers, the thicker it becomes.
• To make a completely different dish, replace the kidney beans with white beans, chickpeas, or lentils. They’re all legumes, and any of them can be transformed into satisfying dinners with the help of this recipe.

Let me know if you make this red bean and rice recipe. Also, please rate and comment on this article. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any modifications you make!

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