Smoky Southern Red Beans and Rice
This hearty Smoky Southern Red Beans and Rice dish is a delightful blend of tender red kidney beans and savory smoked pork, simmered to perfection. Originating from the culinary traditions of the American South, this dish has a rich, deep flavor that develops beautifully when made ahead of time. Combining the bold essence of spices with the smokiness of ham hock or pork butt, this dish is not only satisfying but also brings warmth and comfort to any table. Best served over fluffy rice with warm, freshly baked biscuits on the side, it’s perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
7-8 cups soup (approximately 6-8 servings)
Servings
225
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried red kidney beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
Medium onions
2 (peeled and quartered)
Smoked ham hock
1 (split or use 8 ounces smoked pork butt)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Bay leaves
3 (whole)
Salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried red kidney beans in a large bowl of water overnight, ensuring they are covered with at least 2 inches of water. After soaking, drain the beans and set them aside.
2
In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the soaked beans along with fresh cold water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Incorporate the quartered onions, the split smoked ham hock (or smoked pork butt), and the peeled garlic cloves.
3
Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Be sure to occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
4
After the first hour of simmering, add the bay leaves and season with salt. Continue to simmer the beans uncovered on low heat for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent sticking and enhance the flavors.
5
Once the beans are tender and the soup has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and fresh ground black pepper as needed. Carefully remove the ham hock or pork butt, cut the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the pot.
6
For the best flavor, allow the soup to cool and then refrigerate for up to two days before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
7
To serve, ladle the smoky red beans over cooked rice and accompany with buttery biscuits for a truly comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
31g
Carbs
14g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Southern Red Beans and Rice?
It is a hearty Southern dish featuring red kidney beans and smoked pork simmered with onions, garlic, and bay leaves until tender.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried red kidney beans.
How long should I soak the dried red kidney beans?
The beans should be soaked in a large bowl of water overnight, ensuring they are covered by at least 2 inches of water.
Can I use a substitute for the smoked ham hock?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of smoked pork butt as an alternative to the split smoked ham hock.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 7-8 cups of soup, which is roughly 6-8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
How do I prepare the onions for this dish?
The two medium onions should be peeled and quartered before being added to the pot.
Do the garlic cloves need to be chopped?
No, the 2 garlic cloves should be peeled but kept whole.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe requires 3 whole bay leaves.
When should I add the salt to the beans?
Salt should be added after the first hour of simmering to ensure the beans soften properly.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains 6g of fiber.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 31g of carbohydrates.
How long is the total simmering time?
The beans simmer for an initial hour covered, followed by 1.5 to 2 hours uncovered, totaling 2.5 to 3 hours.
Should I drain the beans after soaking them overnight?
Yes, you should drain the soaking water and add fresh cold water before cooking.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the red beans over fluffy rice with warm, freshly baked buttery biscuits on the side.
Why should I refrigerate the soup before serving?
Refrigerating the soup for up to two days allows the flavors to meld and develop a deeper taste.
How much water should I use for cooking the beans?
Use fresh cold water to cover the soaked beans by at least 2 inches in the pot.
What should I do with the meat after it finishes cooking?
Carefully remove the ham hock or pork butt, cut the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the pot.
Do I need to skim the pot while it boils?
Yes, occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the surface during the simmering process.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a rapid boil, reduce the heat to low for the remainder of the cooking time.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include southern, red beans, smoked ham, comfort food, soups, main course, make ahead, and hearty.
How often should I stir the beans?
You should stir the mixture frequently during the final 1.5 to 2 hours to prevent sticking.
Does this recipe include cholesterol or sodium data?
The provided nutritional information does not specify values for cholesterol or sodium.
Can I use fresh ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding fresh ground black pepper to taste once the soup has thickened.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for even simmering.
How do I know when the beans are finished?
The dish is ready when the beans are tender and the soup has naturally thickened.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, its hearty nature and yield of 6-8 servings make it perfect for gatherings and family dinners.