Simple Red Beans & Rice

Directions

  1. 1In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the bacon grease and butter together over medium heat.
  2. 2Once the fats are melted and shimmering, add the garlic powder, onion powder, Creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and unlock their full aromatic flavor (known as "blooming").
  4. 4Pour all three cans of undrained red beans into the skillet, along with the ¼ cup of water.
  5. 5Stir everything together to combine with the bloomed spices.
  6. 6Take a potato masher or the back of a large spoon and gently mash about one-third of the beans against the side and bottom of the pan to release starches and thicken the sauce.
  7. 7Bring the bean mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. 8Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. 9Near the end of the cooking time, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
  10. 10Once the beans have reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
  11. 11Serve immediately by ladling the hot, creamy beans over bowls of warm, cooked white rice.
  12. 12For a traditional finish, garnish with freshly chopped green onions or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Bacon Grease
  • 1 Tablespoon Salted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 3 cans (15.5-ounce) Red Beans, undrained
  • 0.25 cup Water
  • 4 cups Cooked Long-grain White Rice

Equipment

large skilletDutch ovenpotato masherlarge spoon

Tips

  • To make it heartier, add 12-16 ounces of sliced andouille or other smoked sausage to the skillet after the fats have melted and brown it for 3-4 minutes before adding spices.
  • For a vegetarian/vegan version, swap bacon grease and butter for olive oil or another plant-based fat, and ensure Creole seasoning is vegan-friendly. Add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
  • To incorporate more vegetables, sauté diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery in the fat until softened before adding the spices.