Bourbon St Beans
Savory, hearty beans infused with smoked ham, peppers, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners with bold Louisiana flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak red beans overnight. Drain water and place beans in a crock pot. Add fresh water until beans are covered.
- Saute chopped onions, minced garlic, diced red peppers, and yellow peppers in olive oil until tender.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the crock pot with the soaked beans.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and diced smoked ham to the crock pot.
- Slow cook the mixture for 2 hours.
- Add hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Continue slow cooking until beans reach desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or smoked paprika during the cooking process. If red beans are unavailable, kidney beans can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat level by using more or less Louisiana hot sauce, depending on your preference. Stirring in a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bourbon St Beans over a bed of rice for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad, such as Layered Overnight Salad, to balance the richness. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon St Beans contains roughly 159 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1379mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned red beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the crock pot, and reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the beans.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham and replace it with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional spices and herbs to compensate for the missing meat.
What should I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
If your beans are hard after slow cooking, it may be due to old beans or insufficient cooking time. Continue cooking them on low heat, checking every 30 minutes. Adding a bit of baking soda can help soften the beans if they remain tough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).