Red Beans and Rice Recipes

Being a South Louisianian, red beans and rice is a staple in our diet. It has a lot of history as well as popularity. Here’s a short version:

Monday was traditionally washing and cleaning day, so a pot of red beans would be put on the stove in the morning to simmer all day while all the other chores were done around the house. Red beans don’t take much tending after everything is put into the pot, just a stir now and then, and adding a little water to keep the beans covered. About an hour before supper-time the rice would be put on to cook, and maybe some cornbread. At the end of a busy and tiring day, supper was ready and left few dishes to wash.

Red beans and rice has a large number of different recipes, many handed down within families for generations. Nearly everyone has their own variation. Whether cajun, creole, New Orleans, South Louisiana, vegetarian or what have you; there is no single “official” red beans and rice recipe. If someone claims to have “authentic” red beans and rice, they may well be using a recipe from South Louisiana, but rest assured, there are many more than that one.

Like all good cajun food, the best place to have red beans and rice is at someone’s house with their family, preferably along with a great cup of Community Coffee. I recommend finding a recipe and preparing it for your family, and then making small changes and additions or subtractions until it’s the dish y’all love!