Recipe
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Published: April 1, 2024
This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is my go-to comfort food. It's hearty, spicy, and packed with flavors. Just toss everything in, and let the magic happen. Delicious!
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Alright, folks - I've got something amazing for you. My trusty Instant Pot has been my best mate in whipping up this classic: red beans and rice. It's hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-much more comfortable to make than you might think. If you love comfort food that warms your soul and your belly, this one's definitely for you!
Ingredients for Delicious Red Beans and Rice
- Dried red beans: Essential for the base of the dish, provides protein and a hearty texture to the red beans and rice.
- Long-grain white rice: Adds a fluffy texture and balances the dish with its neutral flavor, absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish, creating a flavorful base for the red beans and rice.
- Bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the red beans and rice.
- Garlic: Infuses a rich, aromatic flavor into the dish, complementing the other ingredients in the red beans and rice.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a savory liquid base, infusing the red beans and rice with flavor during the cooking process.
- Dried thyme: Adds earthy and herby notes to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the red beans and rice.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky depth and subtle heat, elevating the flavor profile of the red beans and rice.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of heat to the dish, balancing the flavors and providing a bit of spice to the red beans and rice.
- Green onions: Used as a fresh garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the red beans and rice.
When cooking red beans and rice in an instant pot, adding a splash of vinegar while soaking the beans can help reduce the compounds that cause gas, making it easier on your digestion.
Read more: Easy Cajun Style Red Beans Recipe
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the red beans and rice efficiently.
- Knife: Needed for chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for flavoring the dish.
Common Questions About Cooking Red Beans and Rice in an Instant Pot
Serves: 6 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red beans
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the red beans and set aside.
- Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add the red beans, rice, broth, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Stir the beans and rice mixture, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve garnished with green onions.
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 65 g | Protein: 12 g | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 700 mg | Dietary Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 3 g | Calcium: 80 mg | Potassium: 450 mg | Iron: 4 mg | Vitamin A: 200 µg | Vitamin C: 30 mg
Tips for Making Red Beans and Rice Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the red beans and rice according to the recipe.
- Allow the dish to cool completely.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Portion the red beans and rice into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space for expansion, seal tightly, and label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
