One Pot Cajun Rice And Beans

One-Pot Cajun Rice and Beans

This flavorful dish is a breeze to make, thanks to the convenience of one-pot cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced




• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning




• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika




• ½ teaspoon chili powder




• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5 minutes, or until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onion to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and onion powder over the vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the kidney beans and cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley (optional).

Tips:

• Spice it up! For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot along with the other spices. You can also drizzle with hot sauce at serving time.
• Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the sausage and add an extra cup of vegetable broth. For added heartiness, you can also stir in cooked chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or corn.
• Different types of beans: Kidney beans are a classic choice, but you can also use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of your favorites.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so feel free to make a big batch for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.