Gloria'S New Orleans Red Beans
A hearty New Orleans red beans dish featuring smoky ham, flavorful vegetables, and a spicy kick, perfect for comforting gatherings or family weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort out red beans and wash them.
- Cover the beans with water and soak overnight.
- In the morning, add the soaked beans to a pot with onions, garlic, green pepper, celery, and red wine (if using).
- Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce.
- Cook until the beans are tender, adding more water as needed.
- Simmer uncovered, watching closely, and mash a few beans to thicken the mixture.
- Once done, serve over rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a rich flavor, consider using a smoked ham hock instead of a ham bone. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for depth. To save time, you can use canned red beans instead; just reduce the cooking time. Be cautious with Louisiana hot sauce, as it can be quite spicy. Adjust to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans over cooked rice for a hearty meal, and garnish with chopped green onions for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Acorn Squash Vermont Style for a well-rounded dinner. For added crunch, consider serving with cornbread or a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover red beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gloria'S New Orleans Red Beans contains roughly 393 calories, with 14g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg 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 dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, using dried beans is a great option. Just make sure to soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. Dried beans will cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better, giving you a delicious end result.
What can I substitute for the red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water. This will still provide moisture and flavor, but the wine adds a depth that enhances the dish. Consider using a splash of vinegar for acidity if omitting the wine.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly so all vegetables are tender by the end of the cooking process.
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).