I am not a bean fan, really, but I do try them from time to time. One dish I actually do happen to like after trying it in New Orleans is red beans and rice. I think the key is the right bean. I am very picky about my beans. No kidney beans for me, thank you very much. Anyway, I came across this recipe and decided to give it a try with a couple modifications.
First off, this recipe was super, duper easy. I mean really easy! Especially as I had the onions and peppers in the freezer already diced. I like easy!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bag of small red beans
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 ounces of ham or smoked sausage diced (not hot or italian style). Andouille sausage would be great if you can get it.
- 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning blend of choice
- 7-1/2 cups of water
- Cooked rice for serving
Everything into the pool except for the rice, stir and cover. Cook on high for 7 hours. That’s it! After 7 hours, I turned it down to low and just left it for another hour or so. John cooked up some rice and we were all set.
The beans were nice and soft and not grainy at all (my biggest peeve with beans). I was a little worried that it might be too salty, but considering this made about 8 cups of beans, it was pretty much right on.
I portioned this out and froze a bunch for future meals. Very economical and tasty!
If you don’t think you like beans, give this a try. Coming from someone who doesn’t like them actually eating and enjoying them – they are good!
This looks good and fairly simple to make…I’ll have to bookmark it for winter. 🙂
It is CROCK POT TIME HERE!!
coldfront finally arrived…..
Hurray for a successful recipe! Gotta love a dish that lets you do all sorts of other things while it cooks.
This is great…I have been meaning to FINALLY use beans from a bag–I have yet to soak beans. I don’t know why! But this recipe is SO simple, and I don’t have to start it the night before! Looks yummy, thank you!
Lori!
For some unbelievably amazing beans, try Ranch Gordo Beans, (ranchogordo.com) he has found ancient heirloom bean varieties, and started to grow them, organically, of course…my daughter found them a few years ago…the flavor is like nothing you have ever tasted. I think you would be so happy with them…buttery…some varieties when cooked with just a few spices, drizzle with some Extra Virgin Olive oil, wow. John will like them! I have to get you the names of some of our favorites, and I will. I think you will be a bean convert for sure!!
Barb
That looks so good Lori and I bet filling too! I will totally try this for my lunches next week
Oh YUM!!! I just LOVE rice and beans. Thanks for the recipe Lori, I’ve bookmarked!!! Have a wonderful Friday.
Easy & short ingredient list is always good for me! 🙂
Aren’t red beans kidney beans?
No – there are small red beans and kidney beans. Kidney beans are much bigger (and ickier LOL).