Cajun Red Beans and Rice

When you think about Loooozianna, the mind doesn’t just reflexively think, ”oh yeah, that’s the land of healthy foods.” But one of the classic staples of Cajun cuisine features the highest anti-oxidant foods you can fine – red beans.

If you have to take your antioxidant multi-vitamin, you might as well throw on some Zydeco music, and serve up a delicious bowl of these Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice:

You’ll Need:

3-4 tablespoons oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

1-2 tablespoons chili powder (or use chipotle chili powder to taste)

1 teaspoon paprika

2 cups tomato sauce

1 (13 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with juice)

Salt

1-2 teaspoons sugar

1-2 teaspoons Louisiana hot sauce (optional)

2 (15 ounce) cans red beans, drained and rinsed

5-8 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped (optional)

4 cups cooked rice

What To Do:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, green bell pepper, and crushed chili flakes; sauté until veggies are soft.

Sprinkle with chili powder and paprika, cook for about a minute.

Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, hot sauce (if using), salt, and sugar to taste.

Add beans, cooked bacon if using; mix to combine and simmer for about an hour.

Serve mixed or over rice topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

This Cajun-style Red Beans and Rice recipe offers a flavorful blend of spices and ingredients that will surely satisfy your taste buds