Spicy and flavorful Cajun-inspired meatless red beans and brown rice

This Cajun-inspired dish is a vegetarian take on a classic Southern comfort food. The combination of red beans, brown rice, and bold Cajun spices creates a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Rinse and sort the red beans, then soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. In a large pot, combine the soaked red beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the cooked beans. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve the red beans over cooked brown rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
6. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Cajun meatless red beans and brown rice!

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