Get ready to embark on a culinary journey straight to the heart of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun Beans Over Cornbread recipe that promises to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast! Imagine a dish so rich in flavor and tradition that each bite tells a story of Southern comfort and bold spices, where tender red beans meet perfectly golden cornbread in a symphony of taste that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Red beans
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Cajun seasoning
- Cornmeal
- Milk
- Eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the beans by sorting and rinsing thoroughly. Soak red beans overnight in cold water if using dried beans.
- Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery into fine, uniform pieces to create the traditional Cajun holy trinity base.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and sauté the holy trinity vegetables until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the prepared red beans to the pot, covering with water or chicken stock. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
- Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding liquid if needed.
- While beans are cooking, prepare cornbread by mixing cornmeal, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour cornbread batter into a preheated, greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
- Bake cornbread in a preheated 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once beans are tender and slightly thickened, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slice cornbread and serve hot, ladling the spicy Cajun beans generously over the top.
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use dried red beans and soak them overnight to ensure a creamy, tender texture.
- Don't rush the "holy trinity" sauté - letting onions, bell peppers, and celery develop their flavors is key to a true Cajun base.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for your cornbread to achieve that coveted crispy, golden crust.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference - start mild and add more for extra kick.
- If you're short on time, canned beans work well, but reduce cooking liquid accordingly.
- Let the beans simmer low and slow to develop deep, complex flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature contrast between hot beans and fresh cornbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
