Vegan Cajun Style Red Beans

When it comes to vegan cooking I don’t like to sacrifice flavor, because lets be honest some vegan recipes can be bland. These vegan Cajun style red beans are definitely packed with layers of flavor, so you won’t miss the meat!

Vegan Cajun Style Red Beans

1 pound dry red kidney beans, soaked overnight

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 medium stalks celery, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

2 bay leaves

1 32-ounce container vegetable broth

1 teaspoon smoked salt plus more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Drain the kidney beans; set aside.

2. In a large pot over medium heat, add oil. When hot, add onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic; cook for one more minute, until fragrant.

3. Stir in parsley, hot sauce, thyme, paprika, smoked salt and pepper; stir to evenly coat the vegetables in the spices. Cook for one minute.

4. Pour in kidney beans, bay leaves and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil; cover, lower heat and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove lid; let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Serve beans with a scoop of rice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.