Mardi Gras Rice Beans (Printable)

A colorful Creole-inspired dish combining spiced rice, beans, and vegetables for festive flavor.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasoning

07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice & Beans

13 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
14 - 2 cups vegetable broth
15 - 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

→ Garnish

17 - 2 green onions, sliced
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rice and stir to coat thoroughly with the vegetable and spice mixture.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with green onions, parsley, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its a one pot party that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
  • The spices build layers of flavor that make every bite sing
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while it simmers or the rice will cook unevenly
  • Letting it rest covered is the difference between gummy and perfectly fluffy grains
03 -
  • Rinse your rice until the water runs clear for the best texture
  • Adjust cayenne after the dish rests since heat intensifies as it sits

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