Bare Shrimp Pasta
◷ 50 min
Main CourseReader rated
Cajun Style Red Beans
This hearty and flavorful dish brings a taste of the South straight to your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make any day of the week.
◷7 hr 30 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Soak the Pinto Beans
Start by placing the pinto beans in a large bowl and cover them with a few inches of cool water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then drain and rinse well.
2
Saut Aromatics and Pork
Next, heat up the bacon grease in a big pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the salt pork and cook it for a minute, stirring to get it going. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, black pepper, and chipotle powder, and cook everything together until the veggies soften, about 4 minutes.
3
Brown Sausage and Herbs
Now, stir in the smoked sausage, bay leaves, parsley, and thyme. Keep cooking and stirring until the sausage is nicely browned, roughly another 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until you can smell its aroma, about a minute more.
4
Simmer Beans in Slow Cooker
Pour in the beans and add enough water to just cover everything. Bring it all to a boil, then take the pot off the heat and transfer the whole mixture to your slow cooker. Cook on high for an hour, then lower the heat to low and let it go for about 6 more hours, adding water if it starts to get too thick.
5
Mash Beans for Creaminess
Once the beans are soft, mash about a quarter of them against the side of the slow cooker with the back of a heavy spoon. This will help thicken the dish and make it creamy. Let it keep cooking on low for another 15 to 20 minutes until everything is tender and creamy. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is packed with bold spices and hearty beans that create a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. The smoky, spicy notes bring warmth to any table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed white rice for a classic combination. Add a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the sauce. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a nice fresh touch.
Storage Tips
Let the beans cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well—portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
