This easy recipe for red beans and rice is a family favorite around my house. I shared in THIS post that each summer my kids take turns cooking dinners for the family. They each pick a recipe at the beginning of the week, and then they’re assigned a night to cook. Together we make shopping list from the menu and shop for ingredients. My husband and I were just joking the other night that we’re not sure if any of their “cooking lessons” are sinking in, but at least we’ve tried. They can leave the house when they’re older, and I’ll know I gave it a good shot.
In truth, getting kids in the kitchen is vitally important. I think every young adult should know at least the basics when they leave the house. My oldest, about to start her junior year in college, is very much looking forward to her first apartment kitchen this year. Her other dorm rooms didn’t have one, but she’s ready and willing to do some home cooking in her new space small as it may be.
The funny thing is, as the summers have gone by, they’ve figured out which recipes are the easiest to make and sometimes argue about who gets to cook what.
My red beans and rice recipe is one of those. Super simple yet delicious, and easy enough that even my youngest can make it with my assistance and supervision.
Ingredients
- 12-14 oz kielbasa sausage (either turkey or beef)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 3 undrained 15 oz cans of red kidney beans (either dark or light, or a mix of both)
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups of cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in dutch oven
- Saute garlic and onions 2-3 minutes
- Add sausage and cook another 3-4 minutes, stirring often
- Stir in two cans of beans
- Process the third can in a blender or food processor until well mashed, and then add to the dutch oven.
- Add Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper, stir well.
- Cook on low 30 minutes.
- While beans and sausage are cooking, prepare rice according to instructions.
- Stir rice into the dutch oven after the sausage and beans have cooked for 30 minutes, being sure to mix well.
- Serve warm.
My older kids can cook this recipe without my assistance, only supervision of the heat on the stove. For my younger two, I’ll help cut the sausage and onion, and help manage the mechanics of the stove and can opener. But for the most part, they’re able to create the recipe on their own. I never let the younger ones cook unattended.
If you’re frequent reader here at Just a Little Creativity (and I hope you are) you already know that the recipes I share are always ones that are simple, yet tasty. I’ve learned to enjoy cooking over the years, but not so much that I like to spend hours in the kitchen. Stay tuned this summer, I’ll be sharing more of our favorite meals and dishes to enjoy.
If you like this one for my easy red beans and rice, be sure to click the RECIPES tab at the top of the page to find even more recipes that anyone can make, and everyone can enjoy!
