New Orleans Red Beans(Sister Virginia'S Centennial Southern Surprise)
A hearty Southern red beans dish with ham, seasoned with herbs and spices, perfect for comforting family meals and gatherings with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly and soak overnight or use quick-soak method.
- In a large pot, combine the ham bone, chopped ham, chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery leaves.
- Add the dried thyme, dried basil, and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the red beans, catsup, Lea & Perrins, and Tabasco sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove the ham bone, chop any remaining meat, and return it to the beans.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a smoked sausage or some diced bell peppers. If you don't have dried red beans, kidney beans can be a good substitute. To save time, use pre-cooked ham from recipes like Overnight Ham. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans hot over a bed of rice for a classic New Orleans dish. Pair with cornbread or a light salad for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes And Ham for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Red Beans(Sister Virginia'S Centennial Southern Surprise) contains roughly 364 calories, with 28g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ham bone and chopped ham. Replace them with smoked paprika and some sautéed mushrooms for depth. Increase the seasoning to enhance flavors, and use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.
How can I thicken the beans if they are too watery?
If your beans are too watery, you can mash a few beans against the side of the pot to create a thicker consistency. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
What can I serve with red beans and rice?
Red beans and rice are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the meal with sides like coleslaw, fried plantains, or even a spicy sausage. For a comforting twist, try pairing it with Grandma'S Swedish Baked Beans for a unique flavor combination.
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).