Red Beans and Rice
For as long as I can remember I’ve eaten red beans and rice. From my childhood dinner table and as an adult, I enjoy this delicious dish. Over the last several years I’ve also made this traditional meal for my son. He absolutely loves it and so do I.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the tendency to use the same spices over and over again, which it’s okay. Salt, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder and chili flakes have been my go-to favorites. The last time I made red beans and rice however, I realized we were out of ancho chili powder, which is my favorite spice for most of the meals I prepare. After lamenting for a few minutes, I thought I’d try something new.
Since I shifted my focus to elevating myself and how I show up in this world, I decided to translate that to my meals. I was not going back to the grocery store, so I looked at what I had in my pantry. My eyes fixated on the Curry powder and thought, why not. In the past I typically used curry with coconut milk-based dishes, and it didn’t occur to me to use it any other way. Until now.
I added the curry powder to the beans and felt completely captivated as the curry smell permeated the house. I enjoyed the spicy fragrance as I continued on with my day, waiting for the beans and rice to finish.
After a couple hours, I put the cast iron skilled on the table and announced dinner time to my son. He immediately came out and put a hefty portion in his bowl. Since we very often eat on the couch, my son was looking through our YouTube, trying to find a Daily Show for us to enjoy.
I filled my bowl, put a forkful into my mouth and felt very pleased with the flavor. I then waited for my son’s response.
“Mmmm mom, this is good!” He said while scrolling through the newest episodes.
Adding Curry powder to the red beans and rice was a complete success. The curry combined well with the cumin adding a little boost in flavor that I truly enjoyed. The texture was just right, nice and tender. It was just delicious!
We enjoyed the meal for dinner, and my favorite part happened the next day. I prepared an over medium egg and served it with the red beans and rice, added a cilantro garnish, then ate every bit for breakfast.
I definitely plan to keep this recipe, along with my usual, on our family menu.
The recipe is below and if you try it, I’d love to know what you think.
Be Well!




Red Beans and Rice
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Medium-sized bowl
- 1 Butcher knife
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven
- 1 Measuring cup
- 2 Oven mitts optional
- 1 Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp red palm oil (Divided) You can also use extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 1/2 serrano pepper jalepeno, habanero, or scotch bonnet will also work
- 2 cups red beans soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tbsp sea salt (divided)
- 2 tsp black pepperr
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 8 cups warm water
- 5 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cups white or brown rice rinse white rice well
- 1 large Beefsteak tomato Or two small tomatoes