Red Beans and Rice with Ham and Chorizo
Warm, hearty, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, this Red Beans and Rice with Ham and Chorizo is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe combines creamy, slow-cooked red beans with smoky chorizo, tender pieces of ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, every bite is loaded with deep, savory spice. Serve over fluffy white rice and top it off with vibrant green onions and a dash of hot sauce for a classic Southern dish with a spicy twist. This one-pot meal is soul-satisfying and easy to prepare, making it an irresistible choice for anyone craving authentic Louisiana flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound red beans (dried)
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces chorizo sausage (sliced)
- 1 cup ham (diced)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Rinse and sort the dried red beans to remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and let soak overnight; drain before cooking.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the chorizo.
To the pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves, stirring to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and 4 cups of water. Add the soaked and drained red beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
Once the beans are tender, return the cooked chorizo and ham to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly.
While the beans are finishing, prepare the rice by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
To serve, spoon a generous portion of red beans and the ham and chorizo mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with hot sauce on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3580 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.0 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.7 g | 168% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 280 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 9574 mg | 416% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 397.9 g | 145% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 77.2 g | 276% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 225.4 g | 451% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 791 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 34.6 mg | 192% | |
| Potassium | 9071 mg | 193% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
