The Red Bean Soup recipe you’re interested in is a hearty Cajun dish, perfect for a comforting meal. Originating from a Cajun cookbook, it reflects the rich culinary tradition of Louisiana with its blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed exploration of this delicious recipe:
Red Bean Soup Recipe Details
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Cajun, Creole, Potluck, Spring, Summer, Winter, Spicy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried red kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 celery stalk with leaves, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1/2 lb smoked ham, diced
- 1 ham bone
- 1 quart (4 cups) water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 507.3
- Total Fat: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 54.3mg
- Sodium: 1104.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 64.7g
- Fiber: 15.3g
- Sugars: 5.2g
- Protein: 34.6g
Instructions
-
Prepare Beans: Start by rinsing the dried red kidney beans and placing them in a saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
-
Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery with leaves, and chopped carrot. Cover and cook until vegetables are softened.
-
Cook Soup: Add the pre-boiled beans, diced smoked ham, ham bone, water, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, dried thyme, bay leaves, lemon juice, hot red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are very soft.
-
Finish Soup: Remove the ham bone from the soup and discard. Take out chunks of ham, dice them finely, and set aside. Press the soup through a fine sieve to create a smoother texture, then return it to the saucepan (discard solids from the sieve).
-
Combine and Adjust: Add the diced ham back into the soup. Reheat gently, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more hot red pepper flakes if desired.
-
Serve: Ladle the hot Red Bean Soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions
This Red Bean Soup captures the essence of Cajun cuisine with its robust flavors from smoked ham, aromatic vegetables, and spices like thyme and bay leaves. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth while the touch of lemon juice brightens the overall taste. It’s a perfect dish for any time of year, whether you’re hosting a cozy winter gathering or looking for a comforting meal during spring or summer.
Tips for Success
-
Soaking Beans: Although the recipe doesn’t include soaking time, pre-soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time.
-
Texture: Pressing the soup through a sieve gives it a velvety texture, but if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step or blend only a portion of the soup.
-
Adjusting Spice: Cajun and Creole dishes often have a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of hot red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat.
-
Serving Ideas: Serve this Red Bean Soup with a side of cornbread or over rice for a traditional Cajun meal experience. It’s also great on its own with a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Red Bean Soup recipe is not just a meal but a taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting warmth, it’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a taste of the South. Enjoy the process of cooking this soul-satisfying dish and savor every spoonful of this flavorful Cajun creation!
