Savory New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
This delightful dish embodies the essence of traditional New Orleans cuisine, perfect for a comforting meal on a Monday or any other day of the week. Inspired by Justin Wilson's Louisiana Homegrown Cooking, this recipe showcases the rich flavors of small dried red beans, smoked ham, and aromatic vegetables. Simmered to perfection and served over fluffy rice, it’s a hearty dish that warms the soul. Take your taste buds on a journey to the Bayou with this authentic recipe that celebrates Southern hospitality.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
small dried red beans
1 lb (cleaned and soaked overnight)
water
3 quarts (used for soaking and cooking)
dry red wine
1 cup (added to soaking mixture)
large onions
3 (chopped)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
crushed dried mint
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
oil or bacon drippings
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
ham bone and scraps
1/2 lb (added for flavor)
meat stock
8-10 cups (enough to cover the beans)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Louisiana hot sauce or cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
The night before preparation, clean and pick through the dried red beans, discarding any damaged beans or debris.
2
Rinse the beans several times under cold water until the water runs clear.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cleaned red beans with enough water to cover them by 1 inch. Add the dry red wine, chopped onions, minced garlic, parsley, green onions, and crushed dried mint.
4
Cover the bowl and soak the beans in the refrigerator overnight to allow them to hydrate and absorb flavors.
5
The next morning, heat a large 8-quart pot over medium heat and add the bacon drippings or oil. Sauté the ham bone and scraps until they release their flavor and are lightly browned.
6
Pour the soaked bean mixture, including all the soaking liquid and seasonings, into the pot with the ham bone.
7
Add enough meat stock to ensure the beans are covered by 2 inches of liquid.
8
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
9
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and Louisiana hot sauce or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
10
For a creamier texture, remove 1 cup of the cooked beans, blend until smooth, and then return the puree to the pot, stirring well.
11
Serve the savory red beans over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, garnished with additional chopped green onions and extra hot sauce for those who enjoy it spicy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice?
It is a traditional Southern dish made with small dried red beans, ham bone, aromatics, and spices, typically served over fluffy rice.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of small dried red beans.
How long should the red beans be soaked?
The beans should be soaked in the refrigerator overnight to allow them to hydrate and absorb flavors.
What liquids are used for soaking the beans?
The beans are soaked in a mixture of water and 1 cup of dry red wine.
What aromatics are included in the soaking process?
Chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, green onions, and crushed dried mint are added during the soak.
Is mint a common ingredient in red beans and rice?
While unique, this recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried mint for a distinct layer of flavor.
How do I prepare the beans before soaking?
You should clean and pick through the dried beans to discard debris, then rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
What type of fat is used to sauté the ham?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of bacon drippings or oil to sauté the ham bone and scraps.
What meat provides the savory flavor in this dish?
A 1/2 lb ham bone and scraps are used to release rich, smoky flavors into the beans.
What type of stock is recommended for cooking?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 cups of meat stock to cover the beans during the simmering process.
How much liquid should cover the beans while they simmer?
Ensure the beans are covered by at least 2 inches of liquid in the pot.
How long do the red beans need to cook?
Once brought to a boil, the beans should simmer on low heat for approximately 2 hours until tender.
How can I prevent the beans from sticking to the pot?
It is important to stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering.
What seasonings are added at the end of cooking?
The dish is seasoned with salt and Louisiana hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
How do I achieve a creamier texture for the red beans?
Remove 1 cup of the cooked beans, blend them until smooth, and then stir the puree back into the pot.
What is the traditional way to serve this meal?
The savory red beans are served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish with additional chopped green onions and extra hot sauce if desired.
Who inspired this specific red beans and rice recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Justin Wilson's Louisiana Homegrown Cooking.
Is this a good meal for a specific day of the week?
Yes, it is described as a perfect comforting meal for a Monday, following New Orleans tradition.
Should I discard the soaking water?
No, in this recipe, you pour the entire soaking mixture, including the liquid and seasonings, into the cooking pot.
What size pot is required for this recipe?
A large 8-quart pot is recommended for cooking the beans.
How many onions are needed for this dish?
The recipe uses 3 large onions that are chopped and added during the soaking phase.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Louisiana hot sauce or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is fresh or dried parsley used?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, but you should adjust it to taste at the end of cooking.
Can I use oil instead of bacon drippings?
Yes, if you do not have bacon drippings, any cooking oil can be used to sauté the ham.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 key ingredients used to make this Savory New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include Southern cooking, New Orleans cuisine, comfort food, and one-dish meal.
Does this recipe include green onions?
Yes, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions is used in the beans, and more can be used as a garnish.