Vegan Red Beans and Rice Recipe (2024)

Step 1. Chop the onion, green pepper, and celery. Use a vegetable chopper to save time.

Step 2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, pepper, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened.

Step 3. Add the chopped chipotle peppers (if using), thyme, oregano, bay leaves, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4. Add the beans and 5 cups of vegetable broth and stir well. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are softened. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water as needed.

Step 5. Mash the beans with the side of a spatula to make them creamier. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

For serving: Serve them with a grain of your choice. Top with a green tahini sauce, or green goddess dressing, and pickled red onion or shallots as desired.

⏱️ How to Make Vegan Red Beans and Rice in an Instant Pot

No soaking is required. Rinse the dry beans.

Add ingredients to the Instant Pot.Place the rinsed red beans in the inner bowl of the Instant Pot. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, chipotle peppers (if using), thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, and 4 cups of vegetable broth.

Pressure cook the beans.Manually set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 70 minutes (if using adzuki beans cook for 60 minutes). Close the vent to SEAL. Once done, let the pressure cooker steam vent naturally for about 20 – 25 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves and season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. The beans will soak up the remaining liquids as they cool. For a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans against the wall of the instant pot bowl with the side of a spatula or fork.

Cook the rice.While the beans are pressure cooking, make the rice according to package directions using at least 1 to 2 cups of dry rice.

What can you use to thicken red beans and rice?

Mash the cooked beans with a spatula or fork to thicken the sauce or add roasted sweet potatoes and mash, or puree a portion of the beans with an immersion blender.

What are the red beans in red beans and rice?

In the context of the classic Creole dish 'Red Beans and Rice,' the red beans typically refer to small red kidney beans. These beans are kidney-shaped and have a deep red color.

Is Red Beans and Rice healthy?

Red beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They contribute to satiety, helping you feel full for longer periods and supporting digestive health. They are also rich in nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate.
Including various vegetables in the dish, such as onions, bell peppers, and celery, adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, enhancing the overall nutritional content.

Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Nisha Melvani

Creamy Vegan Red Beans and Rice. Budget-friendly, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Freezer-friendly, easy, and very tasty.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 1211mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 6mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.