Cajun red beans and rice is a staple dish of Louisiana. The dish can be made to follow its soul food roots or made in a more contemporary manner by using whole grains. Use these recipes as is, or modify them to create a dish that suits your needs and tastes.
Classic Red Beans and Rice
Pick through 1 lb. of dry red beans and look for any damaged or rotting beans. In one large pot, add one ham bone, 1/2 cup of small chunks of ham, 3 quarts of water, the beans, 1 lb. of chopped andouille sausage 1-1/4 tablespoons of cajun seasoning, and four bay leaves. Let simmer for two hours.
In another pan, cook 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper, 1 cup of chopped celery, four cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons of parsley, and 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce.
Drain half the water from the bean mixture and take out the bone. Smash the beans and add the cooked vegetables to the beans. Cook for 30 minutes. Serve over white rice.
You can serve this mixture piping hot or chill it to make a great salad.
Healthier Variations
Cajun red beans and rice is a wonderful recipe to experiment with. You can add any kind of sausage, beans, or ham you enjoy. Make a healthier version by using turkey sausage, shrimp, oysters, chicken, or lamb sausage. Instead of using white rice, try using brown rice, wild rice, or other starches such as barley or orzo pasta. You also can use other types of beans such as black beans, navy beans, or peas. Throw in other vegetables or fruits such as pineapple, carrots, green peppers, or leeks.
Vegetarian and other options
Vegetarians can make this dish by excluding the ham and sausage. Instead use tofu, tempeh, or meat alternatives. Top the rice dish with rice cheese or soy cheese.
Give your recipe an ethnic twist by including soy sauce, curry coconut sauce, or tomato sauce.
You can make this dish creamy by adding half and half, cream cheese, or Parmesan.
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