Red Beans and Rice Soup with Collards
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Monday, November 09, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

Red beans and rice is a Louisiana classic with influences from French, African, Spanish, Native American and Haitian cuisine. It is usually made by stewing red beans with pork and then serving over rice. This vegetarian soup adds loads of vegetables to the familiar flavors of red beans and rice.

Total Time: 1 hour; 20 minutes; 20 active minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried kidney beans, rinsed, soaked overnight and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable stock, plus 2 cups water
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup short-grain brown rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 bunch collard greens, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

  • Place soaked beans in a large pot and add the vegetable stock, bay leaves, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and lower the heat to medium-low to keep at a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
  • While the beans cook, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Add the rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered.
  • When the beans are soft, add the green pepper, zucchini, onion, garlic, collards, celery, tomatoes, thyme, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add in the cooked rice. If more water is needed, add it now. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and cover. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutritional Information

250 calories, 1.5 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 490 mg. sodium, 50 g. carbohydrate, 10 g. fiber, 13 g. protein