Last Updated on September 29, 2023
Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice is an iconic Louisiana dish that has become a classic American meal. It’s bursting with flavor and packed full of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
This one-pot dish originated in the nineteenth century as a way to use inexpensive ingredients to feed large families. As it spread throughout the United States, it became a staple in many households and still remains popular today.
This simple yet delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite as it combines hearty beans with fluffy rice and smoky, spicy flavors. With this easy-to-follow guide for Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice, you can bring a little bit of Louisiana to your dinner table tonight!
What is Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice?
Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice is a classic Louisiana dish that combines hearty kidney beans with fluffy white or basmati rice. It’s traditionally made with smoked ham hocks, which add a smoky, salty flavor to the beans.
The dish also includes Andouille sausages for added spice and flavor as well as vegetables such as onions, celery, and bell peppers. It’s seasoned with Creole seasoning, granulated garlic, roasted chicken base, and a bit of butter for richness.
This one-pot meal is easy to make and packed full of protein, fiber, and nutrients. It’s a great way to feed large families on a budget and can be served as both a main dish and a side dish.
How did I first get introduced to the Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice?
I first got introduced to Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice through a YouTube channel called The Cajun Ninja. I was drawn in by the vibrant colors of the dish, as well as the unique flavors that were promised. After watching some of the videos, I knew I had to try this delicious dish for myself!
The videos were incredibly helpful, as the hosts provided step-by-step instructions on how to make this Cajun classic. I was able to follow along with ease and soon had my own Red Beans and Rice dish ready for dinner.
The flavor of this dish is out-of-this-world! The combination of smoky ham hocks, spicy Andouille sausages, and Creole seasoning creates an unforgettable taste. The beans are cooked to perfection and the rice has a hint of sweetness that really brings everything together.
Since making Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice for the first time, I’ve been hooked! I make it often for dinner when I’m short on time or need to feed a crowd. It’s a hearty and nutritious dish that everyone always loves.
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How to make Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice?
Making Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice is surprisingly simple! All you need is a few simple ingredients & follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Ingredients
- Smoked ham hock: This is the main flavor component in this dish. It adds a smoky, salty flavor to the beans and rice that can’t be achieved with anything else!
- Cooked Rice: This is what you will serve your red beans and rice on. You can use any kind of cooked rice, such as white or basmati.
- Celery: This adds a crunchy texture to the dish as well as some additional flavor.
- Granulated garlic: This is an easy way to get a nice garlic flavor without having to mince any cloves.
- Andouille sausages: These add extra flavor and spice, and are necessary for that classic Cajun taste!
- Yellow onion: This adds a nice sweetness to the dish, and helps to balance out all of the other flavors.
- Water: This will be used to cook the beans and create the broth for your red beans and rice.
- Green bell pepper: This also adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Unsalted butter: This is what you will use to cook your onions and peppers.
- Dry red kidney beans: This is the main ingredient in this dish! Be sure to get dried ones, not canned ones.
- Roasted chicken base: This is an easy way to add flavor without having to use a ton of spices.
- Creole seasoning: This adds some classic Cajun flavor and spice.
- Kosher salt: This will help bring out all of the other flavors in the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Saute the vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of the butter to it.
- Once the butter has melted, add in the onions, celery, and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Step 2
Cook the beans
- Add the smoked ham hock, water, red kidney beans, granulated garlic, chicken base, creole seasoning, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture up to a boil then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are nice and tender.
Step 3
Add in the Andouille sausages and butter
- Once the beans are done cooking, add in the andouille sausages and remaining 1/4 cup of butter.
- Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4
Serve with rice
- Serve your red beans and rice with cooked white or basmati rice and enjoy!
Tips
- Make sure to cook your beans until they are nice and tender. If they aren’t cooked enough, they won’t be as flavorful.
- Use a good quality smoked ham hock for maximum flavor.
- Add some heat with cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce if you like it spicy.
- If you’re looking for an extra kick, try adding in a pinch of smoked paprika.
- For the best results, let your red beans and rice sit for 10-15 minutes before serving so that all of the flavors can meld together.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice?
Here are some great sides to serve with your Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice:
- Crispy Fried Okra
- Southern Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mac & Cheese
- Fried Pickles
How to store leftover Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice?
Leftovers of Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the cold red beans and rice and cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you would like to freeze this dish, simply place the cooled red beans and rice in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating on the stovetop as directed above.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice as long as they are careful to avoid any ingredients that may be a potential risk. For instance, the ham hock should be cooked thoroughly to ensure there is no risk of foodborne illness.
Additionally, it’s important for pregnant women to make sure all of the ingredients are fresh and of good quality to reduce the risk of contamination from bacteria.
It’s also important for pregnant women to monitor their sodium intake while eating Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice, as it can be high in sodium due to the added ingredients such as smoked ham hocks, Creole seasoning, and chicken base.
Equipment
- Large pot
- medium pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked ham hock
- 3 cups cooked rice for serving
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic or to taste
- 6 andouille sausages
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 cups of water
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter divided
- 1 pound dry red kidney beans
- 3 tsp roasted chicken base
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 3 tsp kosher salt or to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables – Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add in diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to create a flavorful base. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the beans – Next, add the smoked ham hock, water, dried red kidney beans, granulated garlic, chicken base, Creole seasoning, and salt to the pot. Give the mixture a good stir before bringing it up to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for an hour or until the beans are tender.
- Add in the Andouille sausages and butter – Once your beans are cooked through, add in the Andouille sausages and remaining butter. Stir everything together to combine all of the flavors.
- Serve with rice – Serve your red beans and rice over cooked white or basmati rice. Add a sprinkle of salt if desired for extra flavor, then enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to cook your beans until they are nice and tender. If they aren’t cooked enough, they won’t be as flavorful.
- Use a good quality smoked ham hock for maximum flavor.
- Add some heat with cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce if you like it spicy.
- If you’re looking for an extra kick, try adding in a pinch of smoked paprika.
- For the best results, let your red beans and rice sit for 10-15 minutes before serving so that all of the flavors can meld together.
Nutrition
FAQs
Is Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice healthy?
Yes, Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice is a healthy dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s also low in fat and calories.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice vegan by omitting the smoked ham hock and replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or olive oil. You can also replace the chicken base with vegetable stock for an extra nutritional boost.
Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice in the slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender. You may need to add a bit more water while cooking to ensure the beans don’t become too dry. Once the beans are done, stir in the andouille sausages and butter before serving.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we’ve gone over the basics of making Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice. This classic dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
It’s a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal that can be made in just about an hour. We hope you give this recipe a try soon!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
