Mardi Gras Rice Beans (Printable Version)

A vibrant mix of spiced rice, beans, and fresh vegetables with Creole flair and easy preparation.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasoning

07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice & Beans

13 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
14 - 2 cups vegetable broth
15 - 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

→ Garnish

17 - 2 green onions, sliced
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Hot sauce to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed rice and stir to coat thoroughly with the vegetable and spice mixture.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and hot sauce if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pot means less cleanup and more time for second helpings
  • The combination of creamy beans and spiced rice feels like a warm hug
02 -
  • Rinse your rice until the water runs clear or the final texture will be gummy
  • Resist the urge to peek while it simmers or the steam escape will ruin the cooking process
03 -
  • Let the pot rest undisturbed after cooking for the fluffiest rice
  • Taste and adjust the cayenne before serving since heat develops as it cooks

Go Back