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.
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.
This is a big batch so you might be able to take advantage of leftovers for lunch also.
If you wanted to serve Acadian Black Beans and Rice as a side Cauliflower Po Boy Sandwich would be a fantastic main dish. Take a peek!
What are some other classic Acadian Recipes?
Beignets are must have when you visit Louisiana. Fried fritters balls sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Beets are grown in many areas of the state and canning pickled beets are 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.
Acadian Black Beans and Rice
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
- 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.
- In a large skillet heat the oil to medium and then add the onion and bell pepper.
- Saute until the onion becomes transparent, about 10 minutes.
- Add all the other ingredients (except the rice) to the large skillet that has the onion and bell pepper.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the rice and heat through.
Video
Nutrition
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.
It’s metric Elena. I am so glad everybody liked it! I love easy recipes that are good for you too. You are so welcome.
I´am a bit confusing with the amount of beans, is in imperial or metric the 30—Any way I have made it and every body like. It is so easy and simple to make and nutritious. thank you so much.
Thanks so much for letting me know K Martin! Love your tribe and that you tweak this recipe sometimes too.
I have made this at least 10 times. My kids love it, their friends love it, and it’s a permanent repeat in our tribe. We have also tried little variations as it is a very forgiving recipe. Our favorite is to mix in diced roasted portabello mushrooms for a nice meaty texture with a similar flavor profile. Thank you so much fro sharing!!
That is so wonderful Julia! Thank you for letting me know.
Thank you for the delicious recipe. I have made this a few times now and my family enjoys it very much.
Yeah, it’s a spicy one Sandy 🙂 Glad you loved it!!!
Ahem…this is REALLY spicey!!! I LOVE it!!! I had made extra rice, so I just threw in some extra to balance the fire!
My pleasure Anthony! It’s so easy too 🙂 Thanks for he kind words.
Thanks Ginny for sharing this awesome recipe! It looks so delicious and colorful, I can’t wait to try it this weekend. I am sure that my family will enjoy it.
Fantastic Trixilie and Bea! You are so welcome and thanks so much for letting me know!
We have tried it and it was delicious. We used half of the rice and added some avocado cubes… yummy 🙂 Thanks for this great recipe.
Hugs and Kisses
Trixilie & Bea
So sorry Charlene. There is no salsa so I fixed me error. Thanks for the heads up.
I don’t see the salsa listed in the ingredients.
That is great! Thanks for giving it a try and the extra salsa sounds good too.
Is this was so good! I used more salsa and I didn’t need as much rice as the recipe says.