Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Meet your new weeknight hero! This Slow Cooker Cajun Black Beans and Okra recipe is the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ dish. We’re talking bold, zesty Cajun spices, hearty black beans, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker while you go about your day. It’s a wholesome, plant-based powerhouse that delivers a taste of the bayou with minimal effort. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely divine!
Ingredients
• 2 15-ounce / 425 g cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 28-ounce / 794 g can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 16-ounce / 454 g package frozen sweet pepper and onion stir-fry vegetables
• 2 cups / 200 g frozen cut okra
• 2 to 3 teaspoons / 10 to 15 g Cajun seasoning
• 3 cups / 555 g hot cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In the basin of a 3 ½- to 4 ½-quart slow cooker, combine the rinsed black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, frozen stir-fry vegetables, frozen okra, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Secure the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
3. Serve the hot Cajun bean mixture generously over fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: 250 calories, 1 g total fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 695 mg sodium, 53 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 14 g protein.
Pro Tips
• for Success
• Control the heat by starting with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Taste before serving and stir in more if you prefer a spicier dish. A dash of hot sauce also works wonders.
• While designed for convenience, you can substitute the frozen stir-fry mix with 1 large freshly chopped bell pepper and 1 chopped yellow onion.
• This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight!
FAQ
Q: Is this Cajun black bean recipe a good source of plant-based protein
A: Yes, this is an excellent source of plant-based protein. The black beans are the star, providing a hearty 14 grams of protein per serving to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Q: Can I use different beans or add more vegetables
A: Absolutely! While black beans are classic, kidney or pinto beans would also be delicious. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or celery. For a fresher take, you can substitute the frozen stir-fry mix with one large chopped bell pepper and one chopped onion.
Q: How long does this vegetarian cajun dish last in the fridge
A: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious the next day.
Q: Is this slow cooker cajun recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as written. All ingredients, including the beans, vegetables, and spices, are plant-based. Just be sure to check that your specific brand of Cajun seasoning does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
