Acadian Black Beans and Rice

 Acadian Black Beans and Rice is an updated version of the red beans and rice classic.  Made with a variety of spices popular in Cajun country.

Everything about this recipe screams comfort!  Even with all the spices it is mixed and melded for the perfect side dish.  You can even make this a main meal.  Just add a big salad and crusty bread.

My extended family has roots in Avery Island. That is way way down on the south side of Louisiana and through osmosis I feel as though I have a closer connection there too.

Marcel Olivier, came to California from the Olivier Plantation in the early 1900’s and through a close encounter with my Aunt Lou became my Uncle Frenchy.  Yep, in those years, nationalities played a big part for your identity.

I am just now trying to put together his ancestry line but at least I have Acadian Louisiana.  Thick accents, unmistakable music and food traditions, that are uniquely Cajun, belong to America as one of it’s most colorful regions.

If you wanted to serve Acadian Black Beans and Rice as a side Cauliflower Po Boy Sandwich would be a fantastic main dish.  Don’t forget the salad.

Spices like cayenne pepper, paprika and chili powder along with garlic and bell pepper make up part of the delicious Cajun flavors.  Different spices, flavors and measurements make for some delicious meals.

And … Acadian Black Beans and Rice is done in under 30 minutes.  So easy.  So fast.  So tasty.

What are some other classic Acadian Recipes?

• Beignets are must have when you visit Louisiana.   Fried fritters balls sprinkles with powdered sugar.
• Beets are grown in many areas of the state and canning pickled beets is popular because it’s a great way to preserve the beautiful red vegetable to last the whole year.
• White taffy made with either molasses, maple syrup or just plain organic white sugar is an Acadian sweet treat.  As always it’s wrapped waxed paper with twisted ends.
• And how about the mix of truly Creole/Cajun/Acadian ingredients?  Hot peppers, yams, greens, black-eyed peas, melons, coffee and okra!

Helpful Tools for Black Beans and Rice

• I know it’s kind of easy to cook rice in a pot with a lid but do you know it’s even easier in a rice cooker?  If the pot comes in a pretty red color then all the better.
• I’m all about one piece stainless steel when it comes to measuring spoons.  They last forever.  But … I need two sets.  Especially on a cooking spree.
• It’s almost the same for measuring cups.  Well, exactly the same when it comes to stainless steel and you even get 7 sizes with this set.
• This recipe needs a large skillet and I figure you might as well get one with a lis for future recipes.

5 from 4 votes

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Acadian Black Beans and Rice

Acadian Black Beans and Rice is an updated version of the red beans and rice classic.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Recipe Type Vegan

Keyword acadian black beans, black beans and rice

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Author Ginny McMeans

Ingredients

• 30 ounces black beans 2 - 15 ounce cans each, drained
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth low sodium, for rice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 1/4 cup tomatoes diced
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice in any method you choose. I use a rice cooker and I like to cook the rice with vegetable broth for this recipe.

2. In a large skillet heat the oil to medium and then add the onion and bell pepper.

3. Saute until the onion becomes transparent, about 10 minutes.

4. Add all the other ingredients (except the rice) to the large skillet that has the onion and bell pepper.

5. Cook for 10 minutes.

6. Add the rice and heat through.

Nutrition Facts

Acadian Black Beans and Rice

Amount Per Serving (12 ounces)

Calories 400 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4g 6%

Sodium 941mg 39%

Potassium 699mg 20%

Total Carbohydrates 74g 25%

Dietary Fiber 14g 56%

Sugars 2g

Protein 16g 32%

Vitamin A 10.2%

Vitamin C 22%

Calcium 6.3%

Iron 22.7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How do you Freeze Acadian Black Beans and Rice

• To Freeze:
• Let cool to room temperature. Package in rigid sided containers and freeze up to 6 months.
• To Prepare After Freezing:
• Remove from the freezer and put in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. It will keep in the fridge 3 days.
• The night of serving: 
• Put all in a large skillet and heat through. Add more vegetable broth or salsa if it becomes too dry while heating. You can also heat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes stirring every minute. Ready to serve.

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