Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package dry red kidney beans
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 6 large cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 cups water, divided
- 4 dashes liquid smoke flavoring
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- salt to taste
Why This Dish Is Amazing
Tips For Best Results
- Use a good-quality smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add depth and a smoky flavor.
- Stir the rice occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking or burning.
Step 1
Soak the red beans in a large bowl filled with plenty of cool water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain and give them a good rinse. Meanwhile, toss the celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic into a blender and pulse until the mixture is almost smooth but still has a bit of texture.
Step 2
Heat some vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your blended veggies. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and cook for another couple of minutes, stirring frequently so the spices toast nicely.
Step 3
Add the soaked beans, 6 cups of water, liquid smoke, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything together, raise the heat to high, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the beans are soft and starting to break down, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
Step 4
While the beans are simmering, cook the rice. Bring the remaining water to a boil in another pot, add the rice, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Step 5
When the beans are done, carefully scoop out most of the cooking liquid into a bowl and set aside. Take out the bay leaves. Mash about a third of the beans, adding some of the reserved liquid as needed to get the consistency you like. Stir the mashed beans back into the pot with the rest of the beans. Give everything a taste and season with salt.
Step 6
Serve the beans over the rice and enjoy!
