If you're craving a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, look no further than this Ninja Foodi Red Beans and Rice recipe! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. This one-pot wonder combines tender red beans, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all infused with a kick of cayenne pepper for that extra zing. Ready to impress your taste buds? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the magic of the Ninja Foodi!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups rice
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water, sorting out any debris or damaged beans.
- Set your Ninja Foodi to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rinsed red beans to the Ninja Foodi, along with chicken broth, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set to Pressure Cook mode. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes to ensure beans are tender and fully cooked.
- Once pressure cooking is complete, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the beans. If the mixture seems too liquid, use the Sauté function to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Add the rice to the beans, stirring to distribute evenly. Close the lid and cook on Pressure Cook mode for an additional 12-15 minutes until rice is fully cooked.
- Once cooking is complete, fluff the rice and beans with a fork. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Beans: Always rinse your red beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or damaged beans. This ensures a cleaner and tastier final dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic enhances their flavors and adds depth to your dish.
- Pressure Cooking: Make sure to seal the Ninja Foodi properly and allow for a natural release after cooking the beans. This helps them become tender without losing their shape.
- Adjust Consistency: If your bean mixture is too liquid after pressure cooking, use the Sauté function to simmer and thicken it to your desired consistency before adding the rice.
- Rice Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the rice cooking time. Depending on your preference for texture, you can adjust the cooking time for the rice to be softer or firmer.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a pop of color and added flavor, consider garnishing your dish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
- Serve with Love: This dish is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
