Frank'S Red Beans And Rice
Savory Creole-style red beans cooked with smoked sausage, ham hock, vegetables, and spices create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried red beans ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ham hock ⓘ
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 3 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped parsley
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 3 to 4 dashes Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 lb. smoked link sausage, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cover the dried red beans with water and soak overnight or for 6 to 8 hours. Drain the beans.
- Wash and place the soaked beans in a large pot with the ham hock and 2 quarts of water.
- Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the pot. If you don't have red beans, kidney beans can be a suitable substitute. To save time, you can use canned beans; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adding more garlic and spices can enhance the overall taste, especially if you're a fan of bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans and rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread for a comforting meal. Consider serving alongside a simple salad, like a Bacon-Tomato Spinach Salad, to balance the hearty dish. A cold beverage, such as iced tea, complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture if it has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank'S Red Beans And Rice contains roughly 697 calories, with 26g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (223% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham hock and smoked sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor, and you might want to include extra spices or smoked paprika to replicate the smoky depth typically provided by the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of red pepper and Tabasco sauce. Start with less and taste as you go. If you prefer a milder dish, consider substituting the Tabasco with a milder hot sauce or omitting it altogether, while still retaining the seasoning for flavor.
What type of rice is best to use?
Long-grain white rice is the traditional choice for serving with red beans, as it remains fluffy and separate. However, you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the rice type you choose.
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).