Cajun Red Beans Dish

Name: Cajun Red Beans Dish
Prep time: 735 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 885 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: ¼-½ pound diced smoked ham; ½ pound thick-cut bacon chopped up; 1 pound dried red kidney beans; 1 pound of andouille or other smoked sausage, sliced; 4 minced garlic cloves; 1 cup celery diced small (about 2-3 ribs); 1½ cups onions chopped up (approximately 2 medium); 1 large green bell pepper, cut into small pieces (1 cup); ¼ cup fresh parsley finely minced, divided; ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, split in half for use; Cajun-style spices to your liking; 3 bay leaves; Long grain white rice for pairing; 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 10 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons of oregano (dried); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Featured in Ultimate Comfort Food Dishes.

Get a taste of New Orleans with this comforting Cajun red bean dish. Patience is key, as slow-cooked beans release deep, creamy flavors. A trio of meats - ham, bacon, and andouille links - brings complexity to every bite. Don’t skip the 'trinity' of onions, celery, and peppers, which elevate its aroma. Though you'll need to soak beans the night before, most of the cooking is hands-free. Leftovers taste even better and can be frozen for months. It’s cozy, flavorful, and great for batch cooking.

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Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.

By Kylie

Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:38:15 GMT

Creamy Louisiana Red Beans Meal | kyliecook.com

Down in New Orleans, folks turn basic beans into something special with this genuine red beans and rice dish. The smooth, creamy beans bubble away with smoky meats, making a meal that's simple yet amazing. It's a Monday staple that works magic on everyday items through slow cooking and just the right spices.

My Louisiana roots taught me that red beans and rice isn't just food – it's part of life's rhythm. What makes it special? Let those beans cook down till they make their own smooth sauce, packed with flavor from smoked meats and veggies.

Key Components

Dried Red Kidney Beans: Don't even think about using canned
Andouille Sausage: Gives that real deal flavor
Holy Trinity: Bell pepper, onions, celery mix

Step-By-Step Method

Getting Beans Ready (12 hours):: Look through beans for stones. Wash them good. Put in cold water. Let sit overnight. Drain and wash once more.
Starting Your Flavor Base (20 minutes):: Cook bacon till it's crisp. Cook andouille in the bacon drippings. Cook down trinity veggies until soft. Throw in garlic last. Set meats aside.
Main Cooking Time (2.5 hours):: Put meats back in pot. Add your soaked beans. Pour in stock to cover. Keep at a low bubble. Stir now and then. Cook until everything's creamy.
Finishing Touches:: Squish some beans on side of pot. Add salt and spices to taste. Check how thick it is. Let sit a bit. Pour over fresh rice.

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe | kyliecook.com

This red beans and rice dish shows what New Orleans cooking is all about - taking simple stuff and making it incredible through time and skill. Enjoy it on the traditional Monday or whenever you want a taste of real Cajun comfort in your home.

Flavor and Serving Ideas

Add spices bit by bit at the end
Put hot sauce on the table
Always use freshly cooked rice

Keeping Leftovers

Don't mix beans with rice for storage
Use containers with tight lids
Splash in some water when heating up
Skip freezing the rice

Perfect Side Dishes

Warm crusty bread
Chilled beer
Some tangy pickled veggies
Sprinkle of green parsley

This Louisiana dish means more than just eating - it's connecting with New Orleans culture. When you cook it slowly with quality items, you'll taste genuine Cajun comfort food. Whether you're keeping up the Monday tradition or just want something deeply satisfying, this brings New Orleans spirit straight to your dinner table.

Winter Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe | kyliecook.com

Just remember: Good red beans are like good music - they can't be hurried. They need their own time to find their special groove and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I really need to soak the beans overnight?: Yep, giving them a good 12-24 hour soak helps everything cook evenly and faster.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: Sure, it actually tastes better a day or two later when the flavors settle.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?: Absolutely, they’re good for up to 6 months in a sealed container.
→ What if my beans are too salty?: Just toss in a potato chunk or two while it simmers to soak up extra saltiness.
→ Can I use a ham hock instead of diced ham?: Totally, a smoked ham hock works wonders for flavoring the beans.

Cajun Red Beans Dish

A hearty New Orleans specialty with slowly simmered creamy red beans, savory ham, crisp bacon, and smoky andouille sausage, served over warm rice.

Prep Time

735 Minutes

Cook Time

150 Minutes

Total Time

885 Minutes

By: Kylie

Category: Cozy & Classic

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 ¼-½ pound diced smoked ham

02 ½ pound thick-cut bacon chopped up

03 1 pound dried red kidney beans

04 1 pound of andouille or other smoked sausage, sliced

→ Vegetables

05 4 minced garlic cloves

06 1 cup celery diced small (about 2-3 ribs)

07 1½ cups onions chopped up (approximately 2 medium)

08 1 large green bell pepper, cut into small pieces (1 cup)

09 ¼ cup fresh parsley finely minced, divided

10 ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, split in half for use

→ Seasonings & Liquids

11 Cajun-style spices to your liking

12 3 bay leaves

13 Long grain white rice for pairing

14 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

15 10 cups chicken broth

16 2 teaspoons of oregano (dried)

17 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Go through the beans to remove debris, then pour in enough cold water to cover and let them rest overnight (12-24 hours). Drain them and rinse thoroughly before cooking.

Step 02

Sauté the bacon until crispy, which should take around 10-15 minutes, and save the drippings. Brown the sausage in several groups (5-10 minutes each) and set aside.

Step 03

Cook the bell pepper, onions, and celery until they soften and start to brown (8-10 minutes). Throw in the garlic and cook for a short minute more.

Step 04

Put the meats back in the pot alongside the beans, broth, herbs, and seasonings. Use half of the fresh herbs at this point. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for a couple of hours till the beans soften and the liquid reduces. Skim off any foam floating on top.

Step 05

If you'd like it thicker, smash some of the beans against the edge of the pot. Add the rest of the herbs, tweak the spices to your taste, and serve over rice. Optional: splash it with vinegar or hot sauce.

Notes

Skip adding salt early on since the meats will naturally season the dish.
Feel free to swap out diced ham for a ham hock if you'd like.
Cooked beans freeze well. Keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
It's even better the next day, so prep it ahead if you'd like.

Tools You'll Need

Large Dutch oven, at least 6 quarts
Strainer or colander
Wooden spoon for stirring
Spider strainer or slotted spoon

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 626
Total Fat: 31 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 34 g

Kylie

Kylie creates straightforward, delicious recipes that take the stress out of cooking. With over 7 years of culinary experience, she specializes in meals that look impressive but are secretly simple to make.