Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the heart of Louisiana with every single bite - our Slow Cooker Red Beans are that magical culinary journey! This classic Cajun recipe is not just a meal, it's a comfort food experience that promises rich, hearty flavors and incredibly tender beans that melt in your mouth. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups red beans, soaked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked red beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the rinsed red beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper.
- Pour 4 cups of water into the slow cooker, ensuring the beans are fully submerged.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the bean mixture, and add salt to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook the beans for 7-8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check the beans periodically and add more water if needed to maintain moisture.
- The beans are done when they are tender and creamy, and can be easily mashed with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or Cajun seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or parsley.
Tips
- Always soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Don't skip stirring occasionally to prevent beans from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- For extra depth, consider adding a smoked ham hock or andouille sausage during cooking.
- If beans seem too dry during cooking, add hot water in small increments to maintain moisture.
- Let the beans rest after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
- Leftover beans often taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
