Creamy Cajun Red Beans & Rice Delight
Experience the rich flavors of the French Quarter with my Creamy Cajun Red Beans & Rice Delight. Rooted in tradition, this recipe showcases a symphony of creamy slow-cooked red beans, complemented by a medley of sautéed vegetables and savory seasonings. The beans are simmered to perfection, creating a delightful, hearty meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. Packed with fiber and protein, this dish is not only comforting but also nutritious. Whether you're enjoying it as a classic savory dish or going vegan with vegetable stock and plant-based sausages, this versatile recipe is sure to please any palate. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, serve your beans over fluffy long-grain white rice and elevate your meal with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or smoked sausage for that extra zing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red beans
1 lb (sorted and rinsed)
chicken stock
3 cups (for soaking)
water
5 cups (3 cups for soaking and 2 cups for cooking)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
ham bone
1 (optional, for flavor)
pork chop bones
3 (optional, can substitute ham bone)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
sweet onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 large (minced)
creole seasoning
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
bay leaves
2 (for seasoning)
fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste and for cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting the dried red beans, removing any discolored beans or debris, and rinse them under cold water.
2
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed beans, 3 cups of chicken stock, and 3 cups of water. Allow the beans to soak for at least 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
3
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. If using pork chop bones, add them to the pot and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
4
Stir in the chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they're soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic along with creole seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, cayenne, and white pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5
Now, add the bay leaves, fresh thyme, dried oregano, and kosher salt to the pot. Incorporate the soaked beans along with the soaking liquid and add an additional 2 cups of water. If you have not added pork bones, now is the time to add your ham bone.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for at least 2 1/2 hours, but ideally around 3 1/2 hours to develop deeper flavors. Alternatively, transfer everything to a crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours.
7
Once cooked, remove the bone(s) and bay leaves from the pot. Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
8
Serve the beans over long-grain white rice. For an elegant presentation, pack rice into a cup-sized ramekin, turn it upside down onto a plate, and spoon the beans around it. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
9
For an added treat, grill some spicy smoked sausage like andouille to serve on the side or incorporate smoked veggie sausage for a plant-based option.
10
If you enjoy cheese, don't hesitate to top your serving with cheddar jack and pair it with crusty whole-grain bread for an indulgent experience, keeping in mind this is a creative variation and not the traditional method.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Red Beans & Rice Delight?
It is a traditional French Quarter inspired meal featuring slow-cooked red beans, sautéed vegetables, and savory Cajun seasonings served over rice.
How should I prepare the dried red beans?
Sort through the dried beans to remove debris, rinse them under cold water, and then soak them for at least 6 hours or overnight.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken stock, primarily used during the soaking process.
What is the total amount of water needed?
You will need 5 cups of water in total: 3 cups for the soaking phase and 2 additional cups for the cooking phase.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the vegetables and sear any bones used for flavoring.
Can I use bones for extra flavor?
Yes, you can use one ham bone or three pork chop bones to add deep, savory flavor to the beans.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and one large sweet onion.
How much garlic should be added?
The recipe requires 4 large cloves of minced garlic, added during the sautéing process.
What are the primary Cajun seasonings used?
The flavor profile is built using 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
What types of ground pepper are needed?
You will need fresh ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How long does it take to cook the beans on the stovetop?
The beans should simmer for at least 2 1/2 hours, but 3 1/2 hours is ideal for developing the best flavor.
Can I cook this recipe in a crock pot?
Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours.
What should I do with the bones and bay leaves after cooking?
Once the cooking time is complete, remove and discard the bones and the bay leaves before serving.
What type of rice is recommended for serving?
The beans are traditionally served over fluffy long-grain white rice.
How can I present the rice elegantly?
Pack the rice into a cup-sized ramekin, turn it upside down onto a plate, and spoon the beans around the rice mound.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Fresh chopped parsley is the primary recommended garnish for a touch of color and freshness.
What kind of sausage can be served with this dish?
Grilled spicy smoked sausage, such as andouille, is a perfect accompaniment.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock, omit the bones, and use plant-based smoked sausages.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, for a creative variation, you can top your serving with cheddar jack cheese.
What kind of bread pairs well with these beans?
Crusty whole-grain bread is an excellent choice to pair with this hearty meal.
Is this dish nutritionally dense?
Yes, it is a nourishing meal that is packed with fiber and protein.
When should I add the salt?
Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt during the initial cooking phase, then taste and adjust at the end if needed.
When do I add the garlic and dry seasonings?
Add the minced garlic, creole seasoning, Old Bay, and peppers after the vegetables have softened, sautéing for one minute.
What happens if I don't soak the beans?
Soaking is recommended for at least 6 hours to ensure the beans cook evenly and achieve a creamy texture.
Should the beans be boiled the entire time?
No, bring the mixture to a boil initially, but then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently.
Can I use both ham and pork chop bones?
The recipe suggests using either a ham bone or pork chop bones, depending on what you have available.
What if I want a spicier dish?
The recipe contains cayenne and spicy seasonings, but you can serve it with extra andouille sausage for more heat.
What is the role of the sweet onion?
The sweet onion provides a base layer of flavor that complements the savory and spicy Cajun seasonings.