- Cuisine American
- Course Side
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 40 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic dried red beans, soaked overnight
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup organic diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 cup organic long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups organic vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey (for natural sweetness)
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What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned. Compare options →
- Enameled Dutch oven — Even heat for soups, braises, and one-pot mains. Compare options →
- Mixing bowls with lids — Nest and stack; lids turn prep bowls into storage.
- Fine-mesh strainer — Strain stocks and purées to a clean finish.
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked red beans. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in avocado oil until softened.
- Add red beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- While beans cook, rinse brown rice and add to a separate pot with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 18 minutes.
- Once beans are tender, stir in honey and adjust seasoning. Serve beans over rice.
FAQ
Is this Popeyes-Style Red Beans and Rice gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients and avoids cross-contamination risks.
Can I use canned red beans instead of dried?
Yes, but rinse and drain canned beans to reduce sodium. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using white rice is more traditional, but brown rice offers additional fiber and nutrients, which can be a great substitution for those looking to boost the nutritional value.
How long will this Popeyes-Style Red Beans and Rice last in my refrigerator or freezer?
It should keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
What's the best way to achieve a creamy texture without using processed thickeners?
To create a creamy texture without additives, simply blend or use an immersion blender on some of the cooked red beans until smooth before mixing back into the dish.
Why might this recipe be considered healthier than the Popeyes original?
This version uses whole, minimally processed ingredients and avoids the unhealthy levels of salt and refined sugars found in restaurant-prepared dishes.
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