Easy Red Beans & Rice ~ a Mardi Gras Meatless Monday

Quick Red Beans & Rice with Vegetarian Seitan Sausage

Meatless Monday + Mardi Gras = Red Beans and Rice.  Who doesn't like a bit of Creole / Cajun spices to wake up their day/night?  I know I sure do.

Now, as  much as I like to cook from scratch, it isn't always possible.  After school commitments & other things often vie for my attention.  Cooking has to go on the back burner, so to speak. (heehee) I have found that on those days, using some canned items can come in really handy.  With a bit of doctoring up, they can taste almost as good as from scratch.  I'll take almost.  It's certainly better than takeout.

If you want a good meatless homemade version, check out this one from FatFree Vegan Kitchen, it is really good.  But ~ if you want a quicker version, because you just want to eat & time is ticking... try my easy version & get to eatin'.

Quick Red Beans & Rice
serves 2 ~ double recipe for 4

2 cups                   cooked rice

1 large can            red chili beans in chili sauce

1/4 cup                  onion, diced
1/4 cup                  celery diced
1/4 cup                  green bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp                    olive oil

2 links                   vegetarian sausage, sliced ~ store bought or homemade (optional)

-                             Cajun/Creole spice mix, to taste (optional)
-                             Louisiana Hot Pepper Sauce, to taste
-                             salt & pepper to taste



While your rice is cooking, saute the onion/celery/green pepper (know in Southern kitchens as the Holy Trinity) in olive oil until soft & onions are golden.

Once veggies are done, add the can of chili beans w/sauce & smash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to make it a bit creamy.  Add the sliced sausage to the pan if using.

Add some Cajun/Creole spice mix if you like your beans hot. If you are feeding kids - just let everyone sprinkle the spice on their own plate at the table.

Heat until beans & sausage are heated through. Add a little water, if needed, to thin it a bit. Ladle mixture over rice.

Serve with Louisiana Hot Pepper Sauce on the side.

Enjoy!

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