Ham on Sunday, Red Beans & Rice on Monday.
In New Orleans, red beans & rice started with the tradition of a ham cooked up for Sunday supper. The next night, cooks would take the leftover ham bone, throw it into a pot to boil for hours on end with red beans. Waste not, want not! The resulting dish was so full of flavor that a new culinary tradition was born.
Today, we are more likely to head to our local grocery store to buy a ham hock, a little smoked ham, and some sausage to add to the New Orlean’s holy trinity (bell pepper, onion, and celery) and red beans. When it’s red beans and rice day in our homes, the day has a glorious slow pace. As we cook, our homes fill with amazing smells as the red beans and rice simmers for hours on the stove. It really is the best way to beat the Monday (or any day) Blues. Although this recipe takes a few more steps than our regular weeknight dinners, it is worth the effort.
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How Do You Make Authentic Red Beans and Rice?
To be completely honest, we can’t vouch as to the authenticity of this recipe. When we researched this dish we found many different variations that claim to be traditional, and we did our best to do justice to the classic dish. We believe the results speak for themselves and this version of red beans and rice is one your family will come to crave. For what it’s worth, our belief is that if you are simmering this dish over the stove for hours and especially if you are cooking it on a Monday, you are doing it right!
How Do You Make Easy Red Beans and Rice?
This red beans and rice dish takes some time to cook, although, but is totally worth it. It’s a relaxing dish to make and will make your whole house smell delicious all day long. A few easy prep steps, and the simmer time does the rest. It really is easy. Here’s how to make it:
- Boil the dry beans in a pot with water until tender but not cooked all the way through- about 45 minutes.
- While the beans are boiling, sauté celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic.
- Put the beans in a pot with the ham hock and the onion-garlic mixture.
- Add spices and water to cover everything in the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Sauté ham and sausage and add it all into the pot of beans.
- Serve over white rice, pickled okra and louisiana hot sauce—and don’t forget the beer!
What is the Best Way to Cook Red Beans and Rice?
You may see some recipes out there for red beans and rice made in a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Feel free to try these methods, but in our opinion there is only one way to cook red beans and rice—by simmering them in a pot over the stove for hours.
What Else Can You Add to Red Beans and Rice?
Super flavorful and full of protein, red beans and rice truly is a stand-alone dish. However, once you’ve got the method down, you can afford to get a little creative. Here are some things we love to add:
- Cajun seasoning (a must!)
- Andouille sausage AND Louisiana hot sausage.
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Pickled okra
- Pulled pork or leftover ham
What Goes Well with Red Beans and Rice?
That’s an easy one...cornbread and a nice cold beer, all the way! You could also add a side of collard or mustard greens, green beans or corn on the cob. Holy smokes, who’s hungry? For bonus points from your friends and family, be sure to pick up a 6 pack of a nice brown ale and don’t forget the Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce!
Your New Favorite Dinner?
If you make these Red Beans and Rice, we’d love to hear about it! Be sure to snap a photo, add it to your Instagram feed or stories and tag @themodernproper and #themodernproper if you do. Also, feel free to leave a comment on the post and tell your friends where you discovered the recipe!