Lighter Cajun Red Beans And Rice Recipes

CAJUN RED BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• Place kidney beans in large pot. Add enough water to pot to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to boil. Remove pot from heat. Cover and let beans stand 1 hour to soften. Drain. Return beans to same pot. Add 7 cups water and chicken broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour. Drain beans, reserving 2 cups of cooking liquid.
• Heat vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups onions and saute' until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add sausage, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and saute' until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in beans, reserved 2 cups cooking liquid, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Reduce heat to low; simmer until liquid thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine remaining 2 3/4 cups water, rice, butter, bay leaf, thyme, and remaining 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large saucepan. Bring to simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered 10 minutes.
• Spoon kidney beans into bowls. Top with rice and serve.

LIGHTER CAJUN RED BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• Cook the rice according to the package directions. (I allowed 50 minutes of cooking time, which allows plenty of time to do the advance preparation of the vegetables.).
• Meanwhile, coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and warm over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until tender.
• Stir in the beans, tomato sauce, bell peppers (or capsicum), oregano, thyme, and hot pepper sauce.
• Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until the flavors are blended.
• Serve the beans over the rice.
• Garnish with the chopped chives or scallions.

AUTHENTIC LOUISIANA RED BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.
• In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
• Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.