Tag: red beans and rice

Simple Red Beans and Rice: A Seasonal Comfort Food

There’s something magical about the first days of fall—the cooler air, the changing light, and the desire to slow down and savor the season. This year, I decided to officially welcome fall by starting the day early, setting a cozy scene with fresh greenery, candles, and simple yet thoughtful touches around the house. By the evening, the stage was set for a warm, intimate meal shared by candlelight—nothing fancy, just comfort food that feels like home.

The menu? Red beans and rice—a simple, hearty dish that’s easy to make but feels special with a little extra care in the presentation. Here’s how the day unfolded and how you can bring a little seasonal magic to your own table.

Starting the Day: Setting the Fall Scene

I woke up early, eager to set the tone for the day. There’s something about getting a head start in the quiet of the morning that feels grounding, especially when you’re preparing for a change of season. I took some time to make fresh greenery arrangements—eucalyptus, rosemary, and whatever I could gather from the yard and local market. Their simple beauty filled the house with a fresh, woodsy scent, instantly bringing the essence of fall indoors.

Next, I placed candles around the dining area, layering them in different heights. Some were in brass holders, others were simple pillar candles, but all were in soft, warm tones to create an inviting glow. The flicker of candlelight has a way of making everything feel special, even the simplest of meals.

As the sun rose, the space transformed. The light streaming through the windows mingled with the warm candlelight, and the greenery added a fresh, natural feel to the space. By the time evening rolled around, I was ready to share a meal in this little autumn sanctuary I’d created.

The Menu: Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a classic comfort dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look and feel beautiful on the table. For this meal, I decided to take a simple approach with a little attention to presentation to make it feel extra special. My family likes mixing up the mix of beans, and I often use half kidney and black beans. Sometimes I also brown slices of either Beyond or Field Roast vegan sausages, I prefer something spicy, the kids tend to prefer something mild. You can see in the photo that sometimes I toss finely chopped curly kale. It’s an opportunity to get something green into the kids and kale is one of my most favorite foods.

Ingredients for Red Beans and Rice:

  • 1 cup dry red kidney beans (or 2 cans if you’re in a hurry)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup white or brown rice
  • Hot chili oil (optional, for those who like a little heat)
  • Optional: your favorite vegan sauage

Instructions:

  1. If you’re using dry beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  3. Optional: Brown slices of vegan sausage.
  4. Add the beans, vegan sausage, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir in about 2 cups of water or vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 20-30 minutes, until the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions.

Plating the Meal: Elevating the Everyday

To add a touch of elegance to the meal, I decided to serve the rice in a way that feels a little more refined. After cooking the rice, I packed it into small Pyrex dishes, then turned them out onto the plate so they held their shape. This simple trick makes the rice look structured and special without any extra effort.

Once the rice was neatly plated, I spooned the rich, savory red beans alongside it. For those who love a little heat, I drizzled hot chili oil over the top of the rice—just a small splash to bring warmth and spice to the dish. The chili oil adds not only a kick of flavor but also a pop of color, which looks beautiful against the clean white rice.

Setting the Candlelit Table

With the food ready to go, I turned my attention to the table. The fresh greenery from the morning was still crisp and fragrant, making the perfect centerpiece for a fall-inspired meal. I laid a simple linen tablecloth, added a few more candles for warmth, and made sure each place setting had a napkin and a small bowl for the chili oil—letting everyone decide how much heat they wanted with their meal.

As the candles flickered, casting soft shadows across the table, the atmosphere felt relaxed and cozy—the perfect way to welcome the season. The simple meal of red beans and rice, paired with a thoughtfully set table, turned an ordinary evening into something special.