Vegan Red Beans and Rice (Cajun Style)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Dried Red Kidney Beans
• 1 large Onion
• 1 large Bell Pepper (Green)
• 2 stalks Celery
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce
• 6 cups Cooked White Rice

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 1 lb dried red kidney beans under cold water. Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. After soaking, drain the beans completely.
2. 2Prepare your vegetables: dice the 1 large onion, dice the 1 large green bell pepper, and slice the 2 stalks of celery. Mince the 4 cloves of garlic.
3. 3Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. 4Add the minced garlic, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the pot with the softened vegetables. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5Add the drained 1 lb red kidney beans, 6 cups vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender when tasted.
6. 6Remove and discard the 1 bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the 1 tsp hot sauce. To thicken the mixture, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
7. 7Serve the red beans and rice mixture over the 6 cups cooked white rice.

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