PlantbasedBB

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of red beans and rice. This plant-based version delivers all the rich, smoky flavor you love, without any animal products. Made with savory seitan sausage, tender red beans, and a classic blend of onion, celery, and bell pepper, this dish is inspired by traditional Southern cooking while staying true to a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle. It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for slow evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Satisfying – Protein-rich seitan sausage and fiber-filled beans make this a deeply filling meal.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples like beans, rice, and vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• One-Pot Friendly – Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
• Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust spices to make mild or spicy.
• Perfect for Slow Living – A grounding, simmering dish that fits beautifully into a cosy, intentional kitchen rhythm.

Ingredients

Seitan Sausage (Makes 6-8)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup warm vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Red Beans & Rice

• 3 seitan sausages (from recipe above), sliced into coins
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 white onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried red beans, soaked
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cajun or creole seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
• Cooked white or jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Seitan Sausage

1. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
3. Pour wet into dry and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 3-5 minutes until elastic and springy (avoid over-kneading).
5. Divide into 6-8 portions and shape into sausages.
6. Wrap each in parchment paper, then loosely in foil (leave room to expand).

Step 2: Steam

1. Steam sausages for 40-45 minutes.
2. Let cool completely before unwrapping (this helps them firm up).

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

1. Slice 3 sausages into coins.
2. heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat and cook until browned on both sides. Set aside.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pan or a large pot, add onion, celery, and bell pepper.
2. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Add soaked red beans, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cajun seasoning, sage. salt, and nutritional yeast.
2. Stir well, then return browned sausage to pot.
3. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender.

Step 6: Thicken & Finish

1. Lightly mash some of the beans to create a creamy, gravy-like texture.
2. Stir in hot sauce to taste.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed.

To Serve

Spoon the red beans and sausage over warm white or jasmine rice. Top with fresh parsley and add an extra splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Notes

• The seitan firms up even more after chilling overnight, making it great for meal prep.
• For quicker version, you can use canned beans (reduce simmer time significantly.)
• Flavor deepens beautifully the next day.