Red Beans With Ham And Rice
A hearty, flavorful dish combining red beans, ham, and rice with aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water and bouillon cube in a 4-quart Dutch oven; bring to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in rice.
- When liquid boils again, stir in all remaining ingredients, except the tomatoes.
- Return mixture to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 35 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat.
- Add tomatoes and stir gently.
- Let stand covered for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. If you don't have beef bouillon, chicken bouillon works well as a substitute. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time accordingly. This dish can be enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Eve'S Crock-Pot Beans for a comforting spread. For a bit of crunch, consider offering a side of Skillet Zucchini to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Beans With Ham And Rice contains roughly 661 calories, with 33g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable bouillon instead of beef bouillon. You might also add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
What can I substitute for red kidney beans?
If red kidney beans are not available, pinto beans or black beans can be used as substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they work well in this recipe and maintain the texture.
Can I add other meats to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so you can incorporate diced smoked sausage or cooked chicken for added protein. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld nicely.
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).