Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (2024)

October 10, 2011

You may have noticed I was a bit grumpy last week. I would share the reason why with you, but it is long and drawn out and involves a 5 year old screaming hysterically all the way to school and to her classroom about a water bottle. That’s how I started my birthday and it basically set the tone for the rest of the day.

Anyway, the next morning I left for a trip with Bush’s Beans to the most beautiful Paws Up resort in Montana. It’s amazing what a little bit of this…

and this…

can do to help you gain perspective.

I guess I just needed some room to breathe, and I thankfully found it in the hills of Montana.

I can’t wait to share more about my trip to Montana with Bush’s Beans with you, and I will very soon. I have a ton of pictures to edit and recipes to share! In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite recipes for Red Beans and Rice.

Recipe: Red Beans and Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 stalks of celery, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I prefer Bush’s Beans)
1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (I prefer Bush’s Beans)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 pound fully cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
4 cups hot cooked rice

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat through. Saute celery, onions and garlic until tender. Add broth, beans, Italian seasonin, red pepper flakes, Creole seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove about 1-1/2 cups of bean mixture and mash. Return to skillet. Add sausage; bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes or until bean mixture reaches desired thickness. Serve over rice.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Natalie says
October 10, 2011 at 10:27 pm

We all deserve grumpy days…especially when a screaming child is involved. You are a beautiful person…inside and out. And, your pictures are beyond beautiful…I mean, you even made beans and rice look pretty! Who does that? You, of course! 🙂
Jessica says
October 10, 2011 at 11:57 pm

Oh girl! I am so sorry…all birthdays should start and end with smiles and cake!
Wenderly says
October 11, 2011 at 6:32 am

Boy have I been there before…
Just *looking* at those pictures drew a deep delicious sigh from my chest. Ahhhhhh.
Glad you had such a wonderful time, can’t wait to see the photos!
SMITH BITES says
October 11, 2011 at 6:34 am

Ahhhhhh parenting . . . as much as we love our kids, i think it’s days like those that could be used as birth control for any teenager who thinks having a baby is terrific fun . . . i’m really glad you took this trip Kristen – it’s good to have some breathing room with great friends, good food and open spaces!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
October 11, 2011 at 6:45 am

Oh mammas can relate! We’ve all been *there* with the kidlets. So glad you got to take some time to breathe and laugh and play…er uhh…work. 😉
Aggie says
October 11, 2011 at 6:45 am

Yes…room to breathe. That’s exactly what we need every now and then.
Love this simple bean recipe, I can eat up a nice bowl of that with no problem. 🙂
Loved spending time with you…hugs.
Winnie says
October 11, 2011 at 7:01 am

Your photos are so beautiful! Love them, and this recipe, and yes we all need time to breathe. I’ve been pretty cranky myself, lately 😉
See Also
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JulieD says
October 11, 2011 at 7:47 am

I’m so sorry about your birthday! The Bush’s trip looks/looked amazing! I loved seeing all of the photos on instagram. 🙂
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
October 11, 2011 at 8:09 am

This looks fantastic. Sorry about the bad birthday–you better have a do-over. 😉
Can’t wait to hear about Montana!
Móna Wise says
October 11, 2011 at 8:19 am

It is always nice to hear that other Mum’s have a hellish time with tantrum throwing kids over things that just do not matter.
Getting ‘away’ from it all for a breather is the best thing to do.
I love the bean recipe. Simple and nutritious. We eat a lot of beans here. Can’t get Bush’s but they are still very good.
Bev Weidner says
October 11, 2011 at 8:23 am

That read beans and rice has me shivering in my seat.
Would you spoon feed me?
That’s weird, sorry.
Heather says
October 11, 2011 at 8:36 am

I’m so sorry your birthday started out crummy but I am so glad it ended with a wonderful trip. I can’t wait to hear about details. 🙂
My husband loves red beans and rice and I have been searching for a great recipe for a while. I cannot wait to try this one out!
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
October 11, 2011 at 9:39 am

It only gets better at 13 years old. Ok, I’m lying. I’m glad you had a blast in Montana. That state is so beautiful. Can’t wait to read about the remainder of your trip.
Happy Belated Birthday to you!
Heather
Amy Kempf says
October 11, 2011 at 11:19 am

The recipe looks great~
Love the photos you took. Going out and being in a place that looks like that does give you a boost we all need from time to time.
Steve @ HPD says
October 11, 2011 at 11:21 am

Montana air is so good for the soul. Ought to bottle it. Cheers!
Deborah says
October 11, 2011 at 1:30 pm

I know very well how a child’s tantrum can start a day off all wrong. I can see why that Montana air made things better!! These beans sound fabulous, and perfect for the colder weather.
Nancy Wyatt says
October 11, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Oh my I so enjoyed following your tweets while you were away! Wish I could have been there looked so wonderful! Lovely photos friend! Hugs from Conroe, TX
shelly (cookies and cups) says
See Also
Crisped Chickpeas in Spicy Brown Butter Recipe
October 11, 2011 at 2:23 pm

WHat a beautiful view! I am sure that could get me out of my rutt too 🙂
Diane {Created by Diane} says
October 11, 2011 at 2:25 pm

looks so beautiful in Montana, must have been a wonderful trip. This dish looks great!
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
October 11, 2011 at 5:50 pm

Nothing like a little change of scenery to help regain your equilibrium. Love the photo of the beans — beautiful.
Katie @ Healthnut Foodie says
October 11, 2011 at 7:36 pm

We LOVE a big pot of beans and rice this time of year, and these look Fabulous!!! Glad you got a break from the sniffles and sneezes and tantrums going around here!
Pat says
October 11, 2011 at 7:40 pm

Well, I’m glad your birthday ended up well! Looks like an incredibly beautiful area. Bush’s Beans rock! I’m glad you shared this recipe ~ looks and sounds great.
Pat
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
October 11, 2011 at 7:53 pm

I just put this on the menu for next month! It looks great! Thanks!
Les in NE says
October 11, 2011 at 8:10 pm

Wow. I’ve been drooling over that resort for the past twenty minutes! What a great getaway. BTW, I love Bush’s Beans. 🙂
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
October 11, 2011 at 9:41 pm

We’ve all been there! I spent 15 minutes digging through the trash can at the restaurant earlier because my 6 year old accidentally threw away her favorite littlest pet shop toy. Ugh… it still makes me shudder. Glad you had a chance to relax and unwind a little!
Anna says
October 12, 2011 at 12:00 am

The screaming kid episodes are always replayed every now and again in our household. LOL! Although, not really on my birthday (thank God!)…
Your pictures are wonderful…I am having a virtual tour of Montana. I will be trying your recipe this week. Thanks for sharing…
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says
October 12, 2011 at 1:33 am

Can you could make that trip to feel better! Bean and Rice? Of course!
Cookbook Queen says
October 12, 2011 at 8:05 am

I looove red beans and rice, and yours looks perfect!! So glad you had a wonderful time in Montana.
Amanda says
October 12, 2011 at 9:24 am

Oh man. I dont know how you did it, but I dont like red beans and rice, yet I am slightly obsessed with THIS red beans and rice. And with figuring out how to make my already dramatic 2 year old not turn into a dramatic five year old. Ah!
Lauren from Lauren's Latest says
October 12, 2011 at 10:21 pm

Next time you head to Montana, sneak me into your suitcase! It’s so beautiful there!
Carolyn says
October 13, 2011 at 11:30 am

Oy, great way to start a birthday…at least it ended on an up note!
bianca says
October 14, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Yes! Red Beans & Rice sounds like the perfect comfort food for me today 🙂 Thanks Kristen!
marla {family fresh cooking} says
October 14, 2011 at 9:04 pm

Glad you found lots of room to breath. That is so important as parents. Paws Up looks like my kinda deal girl. I gotta get there some day 🙂 The beans look great too.
marla {family fresh cooking} says
October 14, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Hey there….please insert my blog URL in the last comment. Accidentally pasted an email.
Sues says
October 14, 2011 at 10:39 pm

Those photos are amazingly beautiful! I’m just going to sit and stare at them whenever I get down 🙂
patsyk says
October 16, 2011 at 8:32 pm

I hear you! We all have days when we really need space to breathe! Glad you were able to get it… and in such a gorgeous location!
Amy says
October 17, 2011 at 12:11 pm

I could possibly live off of beans and rice (and some cake). Loved seeing you again!
Jodi says
October 17, 2011 at 2:50 pm

Wow. Absolutely beautiful.
Reem | Simply Reem says
October 21, 2011 at 1:48 am

Happy Belated Birthday…..
What wonderful pictures, the recipe sounds delicious…
We all need some me time to relax… I am glad you got some.
Anash says
October 24, 2011 at 7:00 am

cant beat baked beans on white rice! Thanks for this splendid giveaway
Countrymom says
February 17, 2012 at 7:08 pm

I just finished eating a big bowl of these red beans and rice, and will never search for another red beans and rice recipe again! This one is IT! So very good! YUM!

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Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (2024)

FAQs

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One of the significant benefits of rice and beans is their high protein content. They provide you with healthy plant-based protein, coming in at around 12 grams of protein per cup. These winning sides contain amino acids that blend together to make complete proteins.

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We will have to create the texture that we're looking for in red beans and rice by making a slurry. A slurry is a thickening agent for hot liquids such as soups, stews, and gravies. For this recipe we are going to use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch + 2 tablespoons of COLD (again, COLD) water.

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Red beans and rice is a versatile recipe that can act as a main or side dish. The big, hearty flavors pair well with foods like cornbread, collard greens, barbecued meats, and fried chicken.

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Yes, we are all about the red beans and rice down this way for sure, and instead of the classic pintos often made in other areas of the South, I made this version of pintos much like my own homemade red beans and rice, but with the addition of a little Tex-Mex flavor by using jalapenos in place of the usual sweet green ...

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Is it OK to eat red beans everyday? ›

Nutritionists often recommend beans as part of a healthy diet because of their high nutritional value. Like other beans, kidney beans can be counted as both a protein source or a vegetable. Eating at least a half-cup of beans per day can improve overall health.

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The combination of rice and beans gives you even more protein and fiber, as well as other important vitamins and minerals, like folate. Although it probably won't harm you to eat rice and beans every day, it's best to include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet for complete nutrition.

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Red beans and rice is also a dietary staple in Central America, where it is known as arroz con habichuelas. The dish is popular in Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Haitian and Jamaican cuisine as well.

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Red beans and rice became a traditional dish on Mondays in New Orleans because it made use of the ham bone left over from Sunday dinner. Monday was typically wash day, and the beans could be simmered for a long time on the back of the stove while the laundry was being done.

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All-purpose flour: You can thicken sauces with all-purpose wheat flour. For every tablespoon of cornstarch, use three tablespoons of flour. Combine raw flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a paste, then add it into the sauce as it's simmering. Cooking the flour in the sauce will remove the flour taste.

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Warning. A large order of Popeye's red beans and rice contains almost your entire daily recommended sodium intake. The American Heart Association advises consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams to decrease the risk of high blood pressure and related complications, including stroke.