Rice And Peas Or Beans
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beans or peas cooked with smoked meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- salt pork or bacon or ham ⓘ
- 1 lb. red beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. rice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 to 3 pieces fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar or honey ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium hot pepper, diced ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 4 to 6 cups cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the beans.
- In a large pot, combine the meat, beans, cold water, onion, garlic, thyme, sugar, bell pepper, hot pepper, and celery.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook until the beans are soft.
- Add salt, vegetable oil, and rice.
- Add more water if necessary.
- Cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or ham hocks in place of salt pork. If you're short on time, canned beans can be a quick substitute; just reduce the cooking time. Fresh thyme can be substituted with a pinch of dried thyme. To enhance the dish, try adding a bay leaf during cooking for additional depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside sides like coleslaw or cornbread. For a twist, you could also enjoy it with a scoop of Baked Red Rice for an exciting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Peas Or Beans contains roughly 770 calories, with 11g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the red beans with black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different beans may vary in softness and texture.
How spicy is this dish with the hot pepper?
The spiciness can vary depending on the type of hot pepper used and how much you add. For a milder flavor, you can either reduce the amount or remove the seeds from the pepper. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Additionally, consider adding mushrooms or smoked paprika to give it a rich, savory taste without using 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).