Mardi Gras Rice Beans Halal (Printable Version)
Spiced halal sausage, red beans, and vegetables served over fluffy rice for a colorful Creole dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Proteins
01 - 10 oz halal beef or chicken sausage, sliced
02 - 14 oz 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
→ Rice
08 - 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1/2 tsp 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 tbsp tomato paste
# Directions:
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.
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.
06 - Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Remove the bay leaf. Serve the beans and sausage mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced spring onions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of smoked paprika and halal sausage creates this incredible depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Everything cooks in one pan except the rice, making cleanup surprisingly manageable for such a flavorful meal
02 -
- The bay leaf is essential but needs to come out before serving
- Letting the rice steam covered for those extra 5 minutes makes all the difference in texture
03 -
- Smoked halal sausage transforms the entire dish if you can find it
- The bean liquid and starch help create that perfect sauce consistency