# Red Beans and Rice

> A one-pot Cajun classic with bacon, beans, and aromatic spices that comes together in under an hour.
- Title: Red Beans and Rice · Bon Appétit | Shortify
- Summary: A one-pot Cajun classic with bacon, beans, and aromatic spices that comes together in under an hour. Brown bacon first to render its fat, then build your…
- Keywords: red beans and rice, cajun cuisine, one-pot meals, bacon, kidney beans, rice, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, vegetarian option, gluten-free, food, lifestyle
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/recipe/red-beans-and-rice
- Author: Douglas Rodriguez
- Published: 2006-05-01T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: red beans and rice, cajun cuisine, one-pot meals, bacon, kidney beans, rice, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, vegetarian option, gluten-free, food, lifestyle
## Start with rendered bacon fat
Chop bacon and sauté in a heavy 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until brown and the fat renders, about 5 minutes. This creates your flavorful cooking base.
## Build your aromatic base
Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté until the onion turns golden, about 5 minutes, to develop deep flavor.
## Toast the rice and spices
Stir in the rice until coated with fat, about 1 minute. Then add bay leaves, tomato paste, cumin, hot Spanish smoked paprika, and salt to build complexity.
## Combine and bring to boil
Add 4 cups of water and rinsed kidney beans. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbs, about 18 minutes.
## Rest and fluff before serving
Remove from heat and let the covered pot stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, remove bay leaves, and transfer to a serving bowl.
## Make it vegetarian
Skip the bacon entirely and use vegetable oil or butter to sauté your onions, peppers, and garlic. The spices and beans still deliver full, satisfying flavor.

> This red beans and rice recipe contains bacon, but you can easily omit if you want to make it vegetarian.
## Key takeaway

Brown bacon first to render its fat, then build your flavor base with onions, peppers, and garlic before adding rice and beans for a complete weeknight meal.