Step 1

First, place the red beans, onion, green pepper, celery, thyme, garlic, vegetable broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Step 2

Then, if serving as a one-pot meal, stir in the rice, pinch of salt and pepper, and increase the slow cooker heat to high and cook for 1-2 hours depending on the rice you use (see notes.) Serve with extra hot sauce, as desired.

Step 3

Or, if serving separately from rice, make the rice as directed on the stovetop or in a rice maker. Next, divide the beans into four bowls and top with a scoop of cooked rice. Finally, serve with extra hot sauce, as desired.