In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Easy Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice: A Hearty Southern Classic

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe. This Southern classic is known for its rich, savory flavors and is a staple in Creole and Cajun cuisine. Our version is simplified using an Instant Pot, allowing you to enjoy this hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking dishes like red beans and rice. Traditionally, this dish requires hours of simmering on the stove to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. However, with the Instant Pot, you can significantly reduce the cooking time without compromising taste. It also allows the rice and beans to cook simultaneously, making your cooking experience efficient and fuss-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice:

• 2 cups (390g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (500ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Red Beans:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lb (454g) dry red kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 7 cups (1750ml) water
• 1 lb (454g) andouille sausage, cut into thin slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Rice

1. Rinse and Drain: Start by rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot’s inner pot.

3. Set Up the Rice: In an Instant Pot-safe dish, combine the rinsed rice, olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of water. Stir to mix well.

4. Steam the Rice: Place a long-legged trivet inside the Instant Pot and set the dish with the rice on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and poke a few holes in the foil with a fork to allow for slight ventilation.

5. Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on High for 5 minutes. Allow a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR) before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

6. Final Touch: Carefully remove the dish with the rice. Let it sit, still covered, for 10 minutes to finish cooking through steam, which will ensure fluffy rice.

Cooking the Red Beans

1. Sauté the Sausage: Turn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced andouille sausage and sauté until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches. Remove the sausage and set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

3. Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot and add the diced green and red bell peppers, celery, dry kidney beans, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Creole seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaves, and 7 cups of water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook the Beans: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.

5. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure, which should take about 25 minutes.

Bringing It All Together

1. Serve: To serve, scoop a generous portion of the cooked rice onto a plate and ladle the red bean mixture over the top.

2. Garnish: For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

• Bean Soaking: While the Instant Pot can handle unsoaked beans, soaking them overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestion.
• Season to Taste: Adjust the Creole or Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. Some like it hot, while others prefer a milder flavor.
• Rice Variety: If you prefer a different type of rice, feel free to substitute. Just adjust the water ratio and cooking time according to the rice package instructions.

This Easy Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a taste of the South. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers a satisfying and nutritious meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!

Easy Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

A delightful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This easy Instant Pot recipe combines the rich flavors of red beans and rice for a satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Natural Pressure Release 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the rice

• 390 g basmati rice
• 500 ml water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the red beans

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 454 g dry red kidney beans
• 1 tsp salt or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-2 tsp Creole seasoning Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1750 ml water
• 454 g andouille sausage cut into thin slices

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Start by rinsing and draining the rice.
2. Add 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot inner pot.
3. Add the rice, salt and 2 cups of water to an Instant Pot safe dish and stir to combine.
4. Add a long-legged trivet to the Instant Pot. Place the dish with the rice on top of the trivet. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and use a fork to poke a few holes to allow for slight ventilation.
5. Close the lid and pressure cook on High for 5 mins and perform a 10 min Natural Pressure Release. Manually release any remaining pressure and then open the lid.
6. Remove the dish with the rice, set aside and let cool while still covered for 10 mins.
7. Turn Sauté mode on, once hot, add the olive oil.
8. Once the oil is simmering, add the sliced sausage and saute for a few mins, until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches. Remove sausages and put them on a plate.
9. Next, add the onion and saute for 1 min.
10. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 secs, stirring with your spatula.
11. Add the sausage and the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
12. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid, lock it and cook on High Pressure for 35 mins.
13. Once done cooking, perform a Natural Pressure Release, which should take about 25 mins.
14. Serve the bean mixture over cooked rice with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a spicier kick.