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Easy Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe with Pickled Onions for Perfect Comfort Meal

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A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring smoky andouille sausage, tender red beans, and tangy pickled onions served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) red kidney beans, soaked overnight or at least 6 hours
  • 12 oz (340 g) andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth, preferably low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups (about 800 g) cooked white rice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Pickled Onions:
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 lb (450 g) dried red kidney beans under cold water. Soak overnight or at least 6 hours in a large bowl with enough water to cover by 2 inches (5 cm). Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Thinly slice 1 small red onion and place in a jar. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, then pour over onions. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to a week.
  3. Dice 1 medium yellow onion, 1 medium green bell pepper, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  4. Slice 12 oz (340 g) andouille sausage into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) slices. Optionally brown in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes for extra smoky flavor.
  5. Add soaked and drained beans, chopped vegetables, garlic, sausage, 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 2 bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Stir halfway through cooking.
  7. Remove bay leaves, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust thickness by adding broth or mashing some beans for creaminess.
  8. Prepare 4 cups (800 g) cooked white rice according to package directions.
  9. Serve red beans over rice, topped with pickled onions and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Notes

[‘Use small-curd kidney beans for creaminess.’, ‘Brown sausage before adding for deeper smoky flavor.’, ‘Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.’, ‘Pickled onions can be made up to a week ahead and refrigerated.’, ‘Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.’, ‘If beans are undercooked after time’s up, cook longer until tender.’, ‘Vegetarian option: substitute sausage with smoked tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.’, ‘Slow cooker non-stick inserts make cleanup easier.’, ‘If no slow cooker, use a heavy pot or Dutch oven on stove or oven, adjusting cooking time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Cajun, red beans and rice, comfort food, pickled onions, andouille sausage, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-slow-cooker-cajun-red-beans-and-rice-recipe-with-pickled-onions-for-perfect-comfort-meal/