Creole Spicy Red Beans with Savory Rice
Experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this Creole Spicy Red Beans with Savory Rice dish. This comforting and hearty meal fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as the beans simmer gently. Combining tender red kidney beans with smoky ham hocks, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, it promises a delicious, soul-satisfying experience. This simpler yet equally satisfying recipe stands out for its robust taste and ease of preparation, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Pair it with fluffy cornbread or moist corn muffins for a quintessential Southern feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red kidney beans
1 lb (sorted and rinsed)
paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
bay leaves
2 (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
water
1 quart (none)
smoked ham hock
1 large (none)
salt
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
chopped celery
1 1/2 cups (none)
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (none)
fresh garlic cloves
2 (minced)
hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (fresh)
hot cooked rice
as needed (cooked)
Instructions
1
Start by sorting and rinsing the dried red kidney beans, ensuring you remove any debris or damaged beans.
2
In a large Dutch oven or a heavy kettle, combine the rinsed beans, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, bay leaves, ground cumin, water, and the smoked ham hock.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 3-4 hours.
4
Check the beans occasionally, stirring gently; if the mixture thickens too much, add more water to achieve a desired gravy-like consistency.
5
Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the bay leaves. Stir in the minced fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and hot pepper sauce according to your taste.
6
To serve, spoon the spicy red bean mixture generously over a bed of hot, cooked rice. Enjoy your flavorful Creole cooking!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creole Spicy Red Beans with Savory Rice?
It is a vibrant New Orleans-inspired dish featuring tender red kidney beans, smoky ham hocks, and aromatic spices served over fluffy rice.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of dried red kidney beans that have been sorted and rinsed.
How long does the cooking process take?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, the beans should simmer for approximately 3 to 4 hours until tender.
What kind of meat provides the smoky flavor?
A large smoked ham hock is used to infuse the beans with a deep, smoky taste.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The spice blend consists of paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, bay leaves, and ground cumin.
How much water is needed to start the beans?
The recipe requires one quart of water to be added to the pot initially.
What should I do if the beans become too thick?
If the mixture thickens too much during simmering, you can add more water to achieve your desired gravy-like consistency.
When should I add salt and hot pepper sauce?
Salt and hot pepper sauce should be added at the end once the beans are tender, adjusted to your personal taste.
What fresh vegetables are included in the base?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery and 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions.
Is fresh garlic used in this dish?
Yes, the recipe uses two minced fresh garlic cloves for added aroma and flavor.
How much cayenne pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper depending on your heat tolerance.
What is the first step in preparing the beans?
The first step is to sort and rinse the dried red kidney beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, once the beans are tender, you should carefully remove the two bay leaves before serving.
When is the fresh parsley added?
Three tablespoons of minced fresh parsley should be stirred in after the beans are tender.
How is the dish traditionally served?
The spicy red bean mixture is spooned generously over a bed of hot, cooked rice.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This meal pairs perfectly with fluffy cornbread or moist corn muffins for a Southern feast.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of paprika.
How much ground cumin is needed?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is used to add earthy notes to the beans.
What type of pot is best for cooking this recipe?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy kettle is recommended for even heat distribution during the long simmer.
How many bay leaves are required?
Two bay leaves are used to season the simmering beans.
What is the recommended simmer temperature?
After the initial boil, the heat should be reduced to low and the pot should be covered.
How much salt is typically added?
The recipe suggests 2 to 3 teaspoons of salt, though it should be adjusted to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used in this Creole Spicy Red Beans and Savory Rice recipe.
How much hot pepper sauce is included?
The recipe starts with 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted at the end.
Is the rice cooked with the beans or separately?
The rice is cooked separately and the finished bean mixture is served over it.
What makes this dish soul-satisfying?
The combination of hearty beans, smoky meat, and aromatic herbs creates a robust and comforting flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, its ease of preparation and hearty nature make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
How much celery is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery.
How much onion is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions.
What are the main flavor tags for this recipe?
Key tags include Cajun, Creole, spicy, smoky, Southern, and comfort food.