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| 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!