Red Beans and Rice Recipe (Better Than Popeyes!)
User Reviews
4.8
Red Beans and Rice Recipe (Better Than Popeyes!)
Description
The recipe starts by sautéing onion, green bell pepper, and celery in olive oil until softened, forming a traditional Cajun flavor base. Garlic and a blend of spices including thyme, sage, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning then infuse the sautéed vegetables. The mixture is combined with red beans, ham bone or ham hock, bay leaves, and water then brought to a boil before simmering gently until the beans are tender and the flavors meld. The addition of Better Than Bouillon chicken base enhances the savory depth. The final result is a hearty bowl of beans with balanced spice and meatiness.
Serving this dish with a generous portion of hot cooked white rice softens the rich, thickened beans and completes the meal. The flavorful beans also work well as a side or a main course. The use of the ham bone provides smoky, meaty undertones while the combination of herbs and spices delivers classic Louisiana-inspired taste.
For preparing the rice, a basic white rice method involves cooking 3 cups dry rice with water and salt, boiling then simmering covered, and allowing steam rest after cooking for fluffy grains. This complements the beans by adding a neutral, tender base.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion roughly chopped, large
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery chopped, stalks
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 3/4 teaspoon sage dried
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning more to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken base
- about 7 cups water
- 1 pound red beans rinsed, dry
- meaty ham bone or ham hock
- 2 bay leaf
- 6 cups rice or more, hot cooked
Instructions
- Prep your veggies: chop the onion, bell pepper, and 2 stalks celery. I like to chop the ends of the celery (so that some of the leaves get chopped also) instead of pulling off the stalks. Whichever way you choose will work!
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Once it is hot and shimmering, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Saute for 6-8 minutes, until the onions start to become translucent.
- Mince 2 tablespoons garlic. In a small bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon sage, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add the garlic and spices to the pot and saute for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add 1 teaspoon Better That Bouillon Chicken Base.
- Add about 7 cups of water and 1 pound of rinsed red beans. Add the ham bone or ham hock. Add 2 bay leaves.
- Stir it all together over high heat until it comes to a boil. Turn the heat down to a low simmer, so that it is just barely bubbling.
- Cover with a lid and keep it at a low simmer for 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours. About halfway through the cooktime, either remove the lid or tilt it so that the beans can vent.
- After 2-3 hours, taste the beans. They should be tender and flavorful. If they are at all dry or chalky, keep cooking.
- Add another half teaspoon or so of salt, or to taste. Add more Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Chop any meat left on the bone and return the meat to the beans. Discard the bone.
- Serve with hot rice. See notes for a basic recipe!
Notes
- If red beans are unavailable, dry kidney beans can be used as a substitute.
- For the rice, use about 3 cups dry rice with 4½ cups water and salt; cook by boiling then lowering heat to simmer with lid on, and allow resting time after cooking for best texture.
- Including the ham bone or hock adds smoky flavor to the beans; it can be removed before serving if desired.
- Adjust seasoning and spice to taste to balance the heat and saltiness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 398kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 893mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 247IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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