I had this in New Orleans and absolutely loved it. I tried to “health it up” a bit by omitting the lard, oil or sausage. It still has a great flavor. You won’t even miss the meat!!!
Beans are loaded with vitamins, fiber and protein. They help to moderate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion and weight loss. They also have an anticancer effect.
1 cup brown basmati rice (or any brown rice)
1 onion chopped
1 green bell pepper diced
2-3 stalks celery diced
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 and ½ tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (preferably salt free)
2 cans dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp hot sauce (I use garlic Tobasco)
1 Bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cook rice according to package directions. Sauté onions, peppers and celery until tender in a large nonstick saucepan adding a little water if they start to stick to the pan. Add garlic, tomato paste and Cajun seasoning. Cook for a minute or two. Add beans, broth, Bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf and 1 cup of the bean mixture. Discard the Bay leaf and place the cup of bean mixture in your blender to make a gravy. Add it back to the pot and heat 2-3 minutes. Serve with rice and chopped parsley.
