Hey Y’all, Craig here from With the Bickhams! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a true southern classic – Big Easy New Orleans Style Red Beans. This dish is a staple in Louisiana cuisine and has been enjoyed for generations. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the history of this beloved dish and then get cooking!
The Story of Camellia Red Beans
A Southern Staple
Red beans and rice are a southern staple, especially in New Orleans where it’s traditionally served on Mondays. This tradition dates back to the early days when families would cook a big pot of beans while doing laundry, as it required minimal attention and could simmer away all day. The result was a delicious, hearty meal that could feed a crowd.
Camellia Brand
For this recipe, I always use my favorite brand of beans – Camellia. Camellia Beans have been around since 1923 and have become a trusted name in many southern kitchens. Known for their quality and flavor, Camellia Beans are the go-to choice for many when making red beans and rice. Their beans are always fresh, flavorful, and cook up perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bag of Camellia Red Beans, washed, soaked, and drained
- 1 whole bulb of garlic, cleaned and chopped
- 4 tablespoons of my mix of seasoning (granulated garlic, granulated onion, low salt, black pepper)
- 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper for some mild heat
- 2 tbsp. of chicken base
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bag of frozen seasoning blend
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of basil
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, chopped into pieces of your liking
- 1 lb of hog jowls, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of dry roux or flour mixed with juice from the beans to thicken
- 3 tsp of Kitchen Bouquet for darkening the beans
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of dried parsley
Preparing the Beans
Soaking the Beans
- Quick Soak Method:
- Cover the beans with water in a large pot. Bring to a simmer (but not a boil) and let them soak on the stove for an hour.
- Overnight Soak Method:
- Cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight. This ensures a full soak and helps with the cooking process.
Soaking the beans not only helps with cooking but is also said to reduce the gas-causing compounds. Though, whether that’s true or not, I’m not entirely sure! LOL!
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Chop and Prep:
- Clean and chop the garlic. Chop the onion, bell peppers, and green onions. Slice the smoked sausage and cut the hog jowls into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Cooking the Beans
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add your soaked and drained beans back to your Dutch oven and add enough water to cover the beans by 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
- Add in all the chopped vegetables, seasonings, chopped meats, bay leaves, basil, parsley, butter, and chicken base. Basically, everything except the Kitchen Bouquet and the dry roux.
- Bring to a Boil:
- Bring it all to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to a high simmer and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Beans:
- Once everything is cooked down and the veggies are almost gone, add the dry roux to a bowl and mix it with some of the bean juice to make a paste. Add this paste back into the beans and stir until smooth.
- Add the Kitchen Bouquet if you want the beans to be a little darker. This won’t alter the taste.
- Mash Some Beans:
- Use a potato masher to mash some of the beans. This makes the sauce nice and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste to see if they need any more seasoning. Adjust as necessary.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve:
- Serve over fluffy white rice with a big piece of homemade buttermilk cornbread. Enjoy! Check out my Buttermilk Sour Cream video coming soon!
Why This Recipe Works
Flavorful and Hearty
This Big Easy New Orleans Style Red Beans recipe is packed with flavor. The garlic, combined with the rich, smoky taste of sausage and hog jowls, makes for a truly delicious meal. The beans become tender and creamy, creating a perfect balance with the rice.
Easy and Fun to Make
Despite the long cooking time, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days. Just set it to simmer and let the magic happen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is a great choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Tools of the Trade
Coolina Knives
For all the chopping and prep work, I used my Coolina Knives. These knives are incredibly sharp, durable, and make preparing ingredients a breeze.
Z Grill
Although traditionally cooked on the stovetop, I love adding a smoky twist to my red beans by using my Z Grill. The consistent temperature control and smoky flavor could take this dish to the next level. Watch for a future video of this Recipe!
Conclusion
This Big Easy New Orleans Style Red Beans recipe is a must-try for any southern food lover. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Thank you for joining me in making this delicious dish. I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. If you try this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our With the Bickhams Cookbook Volume 1 for more delicious recipes and our Amazon storefront for all your cooking essentials.
Happy cooking, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
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Affiliate Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
Legal Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee any results. All the people on this page who use this product may have results that vary. No guarantees of wealth, fame, or success. But hey, at least you tried.
By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious New Orleans style red beans dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making this classic southern dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking!