Tired of takeout and craving a hearty, healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious, satisfying dish bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe! This recipe is perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille is traditional, but any smoked sausage works!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can red beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a flavorful base for your delicious dish.
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Brown the sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. This adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, red beans, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the spices to your preference. For those who like a spicier kick, add a pinch more cayenne!
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Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Stir in rice: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the rinsed rice. Close the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavorful bean mixture. This simplifies the cooking process and ensures perfectly cooked rice.
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Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add a cup of chopped mushrooms or diced vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different beans: Feel free to experiment with other types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.
- Adjust the broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a perfect choice for those seeking quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. This recipe is also a great addition to anyone’s collection of best recipes. Enjoy!