Red Beans And Rice(From New Orleans Cajun)
A hearty New Orleans classic featuring tender red beans simmered with smoky sausage, spices, and ham bone, served over fluffy boiled rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried red beans ⓘ
- 1 qt. hot water
- 1 large ham bone with meat ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green rareripes ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (red pepper) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 cups boiled rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort the dried red beans and rinse well.
- Cover the beans with tap water and soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and put them into a large pot.
- Add hot water, the ham bone, chopped onion, chopped green rareripe, minced garlic, bay leaf, cayenne, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer until the beans are tender, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, adding water if necessary to prevent sticking or burning.
- Stir often during cooking.
- Add the smoked sausage pieces and cook uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sausage is cooked.
- Thick gravy will form as the beans cook and the mixture simmers.
- Serve the red beans and sausage over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce during cooking. If you don't have green rareripes, regular green bell peppers can be substituted. Don't skip soaking the beans overnight as it helps to soften them and reduces cooking time. Use a mix of smoked sausage and andouille for a more authentic taste, reminiscent of Cajun recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty red beans and rice with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea or a light beer. For added flavor, consider garnishing with sliced green onions or hot sauce. This dish also works well as a filling for burritos or served with tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to loosen the mixture and warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, adding moisture as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Beans And Rice(From New Orleans Cajun) contains roughly 915 calories, with 29g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (301% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2223mg per serving (97% 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 beans to save time. Rinse them thoroughly and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust the liquid as needed since canned beans are already cooked.
What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
If your beans are hard even after cooking for 2.5 hours, they may be old or improperly stored. You can add a little baking soda to the pot to help tenderize them, or simply keep simmering with additional water until they soften.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and smoked sausage. Instead, use vegetable broth for cooking and add smoked paprika for a similar flavor. You can also incorporate more vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture.
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).