New Orleans Red Beans And Rice(Servings: 6. Preparation Time: 4 Hours.)
New Orleans Red Beans and Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Creole cooking. With tender red kidney beans simmered with salt pork, vegetables, and spices, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. The kick from Tabasco sauce adds a delightful heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak beans in water overnight.
- Drain the beans.
- In a Dutch oven, brown the salt pork.
- Add the onions, garlic, and celery; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the beans, stock, Tabasco sauce, salt, and herbs.
- Simmer for 3 hours or until beans are tender.
- Add water when necessary during cooking; water should barely cover beans at the end of cooking.
- Remove 1 cup of beans and mash to a paste.
- Add the mashed bean paste back to the beans; stir until the liquid is thickened.
- Serve over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the red kidney beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you can't find salt pork, diced bacon can be used as a substitute for a smoky flavor. For added depth, consider using a combination of ham and beef stock. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more Tabasco sauce to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans over a generous scoop of hot rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Lemon Pepper Shrimp for a delightful contrast. Consider adding a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal, making it a satisfying and comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover red beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Red Beans And Rice(Servings: 6. Preparation Time: 4 Hours.) contains roughly 269 calories, with 13g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (285% of the Daily Value), iron (162% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg per serving (83% 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 beans?
Yes, you can use canned red kidney beans for a quicker preparation. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them towards the end of the cooking process to heat through without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for Tabasco sauce?
If you don't have Tabasco sauce, you can use any hot sauce you prefer or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the amount to your liking based on your spice tolerance.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and use vegetable stock instead. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth provided by the meat.
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).