Spicy Mango Red Beans & Rice 

overhead shot of the bowl of red beans and spicy mango

Creamy red beans are slow-simmered with jalapeño sausage, fresh chilies, onions, and garlic. Enriched with butter and molasses. Brightened with sweet mango, lime, and fresh cilantro.

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FEATURED STANDOUTS

Red Beans

These hearty and flavorful red beans form the cornerstone of a truly satisfying dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, they offer a creamy texture. They absorb the rich spices and aromatics they’re simmered with. This provides a comforting and robust base for any meal.

Mango

The sweet and vibrant mango introduces a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish. Its tropical sweetness cuts through the richness. The subtle tartness adds a refreshing and exotic note.

Onions

Sautéed until translucent and fragrant, onions provide a foundational layer of sweetness and pungency. They contribute to the overall savory depth of the dish, creating an aromatic backdrop that enhances all other ingredients.

Celery

Crisp and subtly bitter, celery adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of earthy flavor. It contributes to the classic “holy trinity” of Creole and Cajun cooking.

Garlic

Aromatic and pungent, garlic is indispensable for its bold flavor. When minced and sautéed, it releases a powerful aroma. This aroma permeates the dish. It adds a crucial layer of savory depth and warmth.

Molasses

A touch of rich, dark molasses introduces a deep, complex sweetness and a hint of smoky caramel. It helps to balance the savory and spicy components, adding a unique richness and a beautiful glaze to the dish.

Jalapeño Sausage

Spicy and savory jalapeño sausage brings a welcome kick of heat. The smoky notes of the sausage blend with the fiery jalapeño to infuse the entire dish. This combination provides a lively and satisfying warmth.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SPICY MANGO RED BEANS AND RICE

Selecting the right mango

Choosing the perfect mango is crucial for this dish. Opt for ripe but firm mangoes. They should have a fragrant, sweet aroma and a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid mangoes that are too soft or bruised. They might be overripe and mushy. Also, avoid mangoes that are too hard and green. They won’t offer the desired sweetness and tropical flavor. Use frozen mango if fresh inst available

Can you use other fruit?

While mango is a star in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other fruits to create different flavor variations. Pineapple, for example, can add a tangy sweetness and a tropical kick. Peaches or nectarines, when in season, can offer a juicy, slightly tart counterpoint to the savory beans.

Can you use another bean?

While red beans are traditional, this recipe can be adapted with other types of beans. Black beans would lend a deeper, earthier flavor and a creamy texture. Pinto beans could offer a slightly nutty taste and a softer consistency. For a quicker option, consider using canned kidney beans, ensuring they are thoroughly rinsed to remove excess sodium. Each bean variety will slightly alter the final dish. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred texture and taste.

Best protein for red beans and rice

When it comes to protein, you have numerous options to complement your spicy mango red beans and rice. Smoked sausage, like Andouille or Kielbasa, is a classic pairing, offering a savory, smoky depth. Cooked chicken, whether shredded, diced, or grilled, provides a leaner protein source that can absorb the flavors of the dish.

Finish with butter is a must

Nothing truly finishes red beans like a simple stir-in of butter. At the very end of cooking, add a softened pat of butter. It significantly enhances the first bite of a great bowl of beans. The butter melts into the hot beans, creating a luxurious, velvety texture and enriching the overall flavor. It adds a subtle creaminess and richness.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Dutch oven 

Cutting board 

Chef knife 

Measuring cups and spoons 

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Red Onion & Sage Corn Muffins

CAJUN CHICKEN + WHITE WINE CREAM SAUCE+ MUSHROOM AND RED BEAN RICE

ROASTED CHICKEN VEGETABLE GRAVY

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

JALAPENO AND CHEESE CAST IRON CORNBREAD

CLASSIC POUND CAKE

LEMON SAGE STUFFIN MUFFIN CUPS

RECIPE

overhead shot of the bowoverhead shot of the bowl of red beans and spicy mangol of red beans and spicy mango
Marissa Bolden

Spicy Mango Red Beans and Rice

Creamy red beans slow-simmered with jalapeño sausage, fresh chilies, onions, and garlic, enriched with butter and molasses, then brightened with sweet mango and fresh cilantro.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 lb sausage sliced
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 8 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 mango seeded and diced
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • 2 cups cooked red beans
  • 1 Tbsp chicken bouillon powder
  • 4-6 cups water
  • 2 tsp molasses
  • 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1-2 Tbsp salt to taste
  • 2 tsp celery seed
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ½ lime juiced (wedge for serving)

Method
 

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sliced sausage and brown for 3 minutes per side.
  3. Add diced onions, celery, and jalapeño peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until slightly browned.
  4. Stir in the flour.
  5. Add the cooked red beans, diced mango, diced Roma tomato, chicken bouillon powder, bay leaf, molasses, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery seed.
  6. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  7. Cook for 1 hour, adding more water if needed to maintain consistency.
  8. Once the beans and mango are softened, adjust seasonings to taste. Remove the lid to allow the mixture to thicken to your desired consistency.
  9. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and lime juice just before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge, if desired.

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