New Orleans Red Beans & Rice – Black Foodie Finder

A Traditional New Orleans Soul Food Favorite

Tender red beans, savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and warm Southern seasonings come together in New Orleans Red Beans & Rice, a beloved Louisiana comfort food dish. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe combines simple ingredients with slow simmering to create a rich, flavorful meal.

Perfect for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal, this classic dish celebrates the culinary traditions of New Orleans and African American Southern cooking.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 8 – 10 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 ham bone with ham (about ½ pound)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 5 cups hot cooked rice

Makes: 8 to 10 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the beans. Place dried red beans in a large saucepan, cover with water, and soak until the beans float to the top.
2. Sauté the vegetables. Heat Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil in a large skillet. Cook onion, celery, and garlic until tender.
3. Combine ingredients. Add the sautéed vegetables to the beans along with the ham bone, parsley, salt, bay leaf, hot pepper sauce, and thyme.
4. Simmer until tender. Cook gently for approximately 1½ hours, or until the beans are soft and flavorful. Add water as needed.
5. Serve over rice. Remove the bay leaf and spoon the red beans over hot cooked rice.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Use smoked ham. A smoked ham bone adds extra depth and traditional Southern flavor.
• Make the beans creamy. Mash a few cooked beans against the side of the pot to create a thicker, creamier texture.
• Adjust the spice. Add more hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional heat.
• Serve New Orleans-style. Pair with smoked sausage, warm cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, preserving recipes that reflect generations of family cooking traditions.

New Orleans Red Beans & Rice is identified as a Heritage Recipe in the cookbook, recognizing its connection to traditional Southern and Louisiana cooking.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original New Orleans Red Beans & Rice recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional Black Foodie recommendations.