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

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (4)Natalie says

    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! 🙂

  2. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (5)Jessica says

    Oh girl! I am so sorry…all birthdays should start and end with smiles and cake!

  3. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (6)Wenderly says

    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!

  4. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (7)SMITH BITES says

    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!

  5. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (8)Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says

    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. 😉

  6. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (9)Aggie says

    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.

  7. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (11)JulieD says

    I’m so sorry about your birthday! The Bush’s trip looks/looked amazing! I loved seeing all of the photos on instagram. 🙂

  8. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (12)Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says

    This looks fantastic. Sorry about the bad birthday–you better have a do-over. 😉
    Can’t wait to hear about Montana!

  9. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (13)Móna Wise says

    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.

  10. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (14)Bev Weidner says

    That read beans and rice has me shivering in my seat.

    Would you spoon feed me?

    That’s weird, sorry.

  11. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (15)Heather says

    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!

  12. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (16)Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says

    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

  13. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (17)Amy Kempf says

    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.

  14. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (18)Steve @ HPD says

    Montana air is so good for the soul. Ought to bottle it. Cheers!

  15. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (19)Deborah says

    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.

  16. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (20)Nancy Wyatt says

    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

  17. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (21)shelly (cookies and cups) says

    WHat a beautiful view! I am sure that could get me out of my rutt too 🙂

  18. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (22)Diane {Created by Diane} says

    looks so beautiful in Montana, must have been a wonderful trip. This dish looks great!

  19. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (23)Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says

    Nothing like a little change of scenery to help regain your equilibrium. Love the photo of the beans — beautiful.

  20. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (24)Katie @ Healthnut Foodie says

    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!

  21. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (25)Pat says

    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

  22. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (26)Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says

    I just put this on the menu for next month! It looks great! Thanks!

  23. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (27)Les in NE says

    Wow. I’ve been drooling over that resort for the past twenty minutes! What a great getaway. BTW, I love Bush’s Beans. 🙂

  24. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (28)Jen at The Three Little Piglets says

    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!

  25. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (29)Anna says

    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…

  26. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (30)Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says

    Can you could make that trip to feel better! Bean and Rice? Of course!

  27. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (31)Cookbook Queen says

    I looove red beans and rice, and yours looks perfect!! So glad you had a wonderful time in Montana.

  28. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (32)Amanda says

    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!

  29. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (33)Lauren from Lauren's Latest says

    Next time you head to Montana, sneak me into your suitcase! It’s so beautiful there!

  30. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (34)Carolyn says

    Oy, great way to start a birthday…at least it ended on an up note!

  31. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (35)bianca says

    Yes! Red Beans & Rice sounds like the perfect comfort food for me today 🙂 Thanks Kristen!

  32. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (36)marla {family fresh cooking} says

    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.

  33. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (37)marla {family fresh cooking} says

    Hey there….please insert my blog URL in the last comment. Accidentally pasted an email.

  34. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (38)Sues says

    Those photos are amazingly beautiful! I’m just going to sit and stare at them whenever I get down 🙂

  35. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (39)patsyk says

    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!

  36. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (40)Amy says

    I could possibly live off of beans and rice (and some cake). Loved seeing you again!

  37. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (41)Jodi says

    Wow. Absolutely beautiful.

  38. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (42)Reem | Simply Reem says

    Happy Belated Birthday…..
    What wonderful pictures, the recipe sounds delicious…
    We all need some me time to relax… I am glad you got some.

  39. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (43)Anash says

    cant beat baked beans on white rice! Thanks for this splendid giveaway

  40. Room to Breathe {Recipe: Red Beans and Rice} (44)Countrymom says

    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

How healthy are red beans and rice? ›

Rice and Beans Are Protein-Packed Foods

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. Most people do not get enough complete protein in their diets.

How many calories are in homemade red beans and rice? ›

Nutrition information per serving: 400 calories; 60 calories from fat (15 percent of total calories); 6 g fat (1.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 66 g carbohydrate; 9 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 19 g protein; 590 mg sodium.

How to make your red beans and rice thicker? ›

If your red beans and rice is on the thinner side, you can either add a roux or a simple slurry to help thicken it. Use a simple ratio of 1 part cornstarch to 2 parts water to make the slurry add about a ¼ cup of it and gently whisk it into the red beans.

What meat is good with red beans and rice? ›

If you wonder what meat goes with red beans and rice, there is just nothing better than a juicy grilled chicken. This is not just any grilled chicken, it's juicy. It's flavorful. The secret for this recipe lies in the technique and the marinade!

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.

Are red beans and rice good for diabetics? ›

If you have diabetes, you should make beans a regular part of your diet. Research published in JAMA found that people with type 2 diabetes who ate more beans, lentils, and other legumes had better control over blood sugar and a low heart disease risk.

Is it healthy to eat beans and rice every day? ›

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.

Are red beans carbs or protein? ›

Kidney beans are mainly composed of carbs and fiber but also serve as a good source of protein. The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of boiled kidney beans are: Calories: 127.

What is the best protein for red beans and rice? ›

Chicken: A classic choice, chicken, especially grilled or baked, adds a lean protein boost to the dish without overpowering the flavors. Pork: Traditional recipes often include andouille sausage or ham hocks, infusing the beans with a smoky flavor.

What if there is too much liquid in red beans and rice? ›

If there's too much liquid in the pot, raise the heat back up to a rolling boil to burn off some of the liquid. After letting the pot boil for 10-15 minutes, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes. To make it a memorable experience, add a bottle of beer to the pot when you add the red beans.

Do you have to soak your beans for red beans and rice? ›

Some recipes suggest that you can cook the beans straight from dried without an overnight soak. You can, but it extends the actual cooking time by several hours, and I found that the results were not quite as creamy or evenly cooked. For the best results, soak the dried beans overnight in salted water.

When to add butter to red beans? ›

My red beans secret: Put a stick of butter into your pot. of red beans after they've been cooking all day, right. before you serve 'em. Makes them super creamy!

What does red beans and rice do to your body? ›

Just one cup of beans and rice provides 12 grams of complete protein, 10 grams of fiber and loads of essential vitamins and minerals recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including B-6, vitamin E, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

What kind of bread goes with red beans and rice? ›

Some insist on squares of homemade cornbread with their red beans and rice, while others prefer a light, airy, and crusty French bread made by local New Orleans' purveyors such as Leidenheimer's or Reising's. And still others are happy with either or both on their plate.

What culture eats red beans and rice? ›

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.

Can I just eat rice and beans everyday? ›

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.

Are red beans and rice from Popeyes healthy? ›

Popeye's red beans and rice dish is a good source of fiber, with 6 or 15 grams of dietary fiber, depending on your serving size. This is 15 to 53 percent of recommended fiber needs, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

How many days is red beans and rice good for? ›

To store: Red beans and rice will stay good stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and kept on warm for up to 2 hours before serving or make it 1-3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Serve with hot cooked rice.

Are canned red beans healthy? ›

Canned beans that are simply beans (no sodium, sugar, or other harmful ingredients added) are a superbly healthy food choice. And do keep eating your beans, also called legumes, such as garbanzos (chickpeas), pintos, black beans, red beans, lentils, soybeans, and split peas.

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