New Orleans Style Red Beans
A hearty and flavorful New Orleans-style red beans dish featuring smoky ham, spices, and vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings and spicy food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. red beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ham, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- red pepper sauce to taste ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. salt pork or fat back, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 2 large bay leaves, broken ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the red beans and place them in a large heavy pot.
- Cover the beans with water and cook over low heat for one hour.
- Fry the salt pork until browned and crispy.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped bell pepper to the salt pork and cook over low heat for about five minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the cooked beans, ham, bay leaves, chili pepper, vinegar, and salt to taste.
- Cook the mixture over very low heat for an additional hour.
- Add the chopped parsley and vinegar, then cook on stove for a few more hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the red beans over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, soak the red beans overnight before cooking. You can substitute the ham with andouille sausage for a spicier kick. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add smoked paprika for depth. Adjust the red pepper sauce to your heat preference, and consider adding a splash of beer to the pot for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans over fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern touch or a side of greens for added nutrition. This dish also pairs beautifully with Christmas Baked Ham for a festive gathering, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover red beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and warm gently on the stove. This dish also freezes well; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Style Red Beans contains roughly 314 calories, with 17g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (279% of the Daily Value), iron (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1546mg per serving (67% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After frying the salt pork and vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the beans and remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of salt pork?
If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or pancetta as a substitute. Both will give a similar smoky flavor, though bacon will be slightly less salty. Just be sure to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of New Orleans Style Red Beans, simply omit the ham and salt pork. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika and liquid smoke to mimic the depth that meat would provide. Adding extra vegetables can also boost the overall taste.
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).