Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Master the art of Cajun cooking with this delicious Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice recipe - a simple guide to authentic flavors and spices!
Ingredients
- 1 pound red beans soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
- 3 cups rice cooked
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Sauté the Holy Trinity: In your large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (affectionately known in Cajun cooking as the “Holy Trinity”). That should take about 5 minutes.
- Garlic Time: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Spice it Up: Add the Cajun seasoning, stirring well to coat the vegetables, and cook for another 2 minutes. The blend of spices in the Cajun seasoning will start to release their flavors, creating a base that’s rich in aroma and taste.
Cooking the Beans
- Beans and Broth: Add the soaked red beans, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Away: After bringing the mixture to a boil, turn down the heat. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Sausage Time: About 30 minutes before the beans are done, add the sliced sausage to the pot. This will infuse the beans with a smoky flavor that’s essential to the Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice experience.
Serving it Up
- Rice Base: Serve the beans over a bed of fluffy, cooked rice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Eat: Dig in and enjoy what you’ve worked for. Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice!