Mardi Gras Rice Beans Halal (Printer-Friendly)
A vibrant Creole blend of spiced halal sausage, red beans, and vegetables served atop fluffy white rice.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 10 ounces halal beef or chicken sausage, sliced
02 - 14 ounces canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 spring onions, sliced for garnish
→ Rice
08 - 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Liquids
17 - 1 2/3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
18 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water or broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced halal sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring well to combine flavors.
05 - Return the sausage to the skillet. Add red kidney beans and pour in 1 2/3 cups broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Serve the beans and sausage mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced spring onions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spices hit you with that warm comforting hug that makes any dinner feel special
- Its one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day
- The whole house smells incredible while it simmers away
02 -
- The longer this simmers on low heat, the deeper the flavor becomes
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving because the spices really bloom as it cooks
03 -
- Use smoked halal sausage if you can find it, it adds another layer of depth
- The mixture thickens as it sits, so thin with extra broth when reheating