Instant Pot Vegan Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Dried red beans: These beans are the star of the dish, providing a hearty texture and protein. They need to be rinsed and drained before cooking.

Long-grain white rice: This type of rice is ideal for absorbing the flavors of the dish while maintaining a fluffy texture.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic depth to the overall flavor.

Bell pepper: Adds a slight sweetness and a pop of color.

Smoked paprika: Gives the dish a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.

Dried oregano: Contributes a warm, aromatic flavor with a hint of bitterness.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness.

Vegetable broth: Serves as the cooking liquid, infusing the rice and beans with additional flavor.

When sautéing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in the Instant Pot, make sure to use a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil. This not only keeps the dish vegan and oil-free, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• dried red beans - Substitute with canned red beans: Canned beans are pre-cooked and can save time. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly.

• long-grain white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it requires a longer cooking time.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it lacks the same depth of flavor.

• bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a bit more heat and complexity to the dish.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used, but it will lack the smoky flavor. Add a drop of liquid smoke if available.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can be used for a more vibrant flavor, but you will need to use more of it.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning contains oregano and other herbs, providing a similar flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used if black pepper is unavailable.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with water with bouillon cubes: Bouillon cubes dissolved in water can mimic the flavor of vegetable broth.

• Allow the red beans and rice to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled red beans and rice into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of freshness and ensure you consume the dish within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the red beans and rice within 3-4 days. This keeps the dish fresh and ready to reheat.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The red beans and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.

• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen red beans and rice in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the dish's quality.

• Reheat the red beans and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

• Stir the red beans and rice occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating and to fluff the rice and beans.

• Serve the reheated red beans and rice hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish.

• For stovetop reheating, place the leftover red beans and rice in a saucepan. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• To reheat in the microwave, transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

• If using an oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the red beans and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

• For an Instant Pot reheat, add the leftovers back into the Instant Pot with a splash of vegetable broth. Use the sauté function to heat, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot.

• To reheat on the stovetop with a steamer, place the leftovers in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

• Instant Pot: This is the primary cooking device used to sauté the vegetables and cook the beans and rice under high pressure.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure out the dried red beans, rice, and vegetable broth accurately.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and bell pepper, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together in the Instant Pot.

• Colander: Used to rinse and drain the red beans before adding them to the Instant Pot.

• Fork: Handy for fluffing the rice and beans once they are cooked.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the spices and seasonings accurately.

Pre-soak the beans: Soak the dried red beans overnight to reduce cooking time in the Instant Pot.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy pre-chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to save prep time.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Quick release pressure: After the natural release, use the quick release method to save a few extra minutes.

Prep spices ahead: Measure and mix the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in advance.