Red Beans and Rice: A Louisiana Classic

Red beans and rice is a classic Louisiana dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Red beans and rice is also a relatively inexpensive dish to make, which makes it a great option for families on a budget.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound red beans, picked over and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 ham hock or 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the red beans, onion, green bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, ham hock or sausage, and chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
  2. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Toppings

Red beans and rice can be served with a variety of toppings, including:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Chopped parsley
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Tabasco sauce

Tips

  • For a creamier dish, mash some of the beans before serving.
  • To make the dish vegetarian, omit the ham hock or sausage.
  • Red beans and rice can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

How many calories are in Red Beans And Rice?

Each 1 cup of Red Beans And Rice contains 314 calories.

Red Beans And Rice Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount per 1 cup (244g)
Calories 314 Calories
Protein 15g
Fat 11g
Saturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 0.022mg
Carbohydrates 41g
Dietary Fiber 6.5g
Sugar 1.4g
Sodium 0.471mg
Potassium 0.5351mg
Calcium 0.054mg
Iron 0.0028mg