Confession, I love red beans and rice. I clearly don’t make them often enough. My foodie bucket list includes a visit to New Orleans to chow down on this emblematic staple of Louisiana Creole cuisine. I hope I get there one day soon.
Until then I will tinker with making red beans and rice at home and continue to let it inspire other dishes like this hearty soup. Filling and delicious, this soup is the perfect wintertime treat. It is FULL of veggies, meat and spice. It’s tangy and packs a nice punch on the taste buds. Honestly, after one bowl I was stuffed, but happily ate a second because of the flavor, it’s just so delicious.
And it makes a huge pot so there are plenty of leftovers!!
You’ll want to start your soup with dried beans you are going to soak overnight. I know there will be many who just want to open up a can of red beans and dump them in, but I urge you not to do that.
Don’t worry, cooking dried beans is so easy, it just takes planning. Plus dried beans are very different in comparison to the canned variety, they have a better texture and flavor, with a higher nutritional value.
The picture above is how the beans look after they have been soaked overnight. Always cook dried beans in fresh water after they have been rinsed.
One other way I enjoy cooking beans is in my pressure cooker. If you have a pressure cooker this is a quick way to get them done.
Yes, please!!
Stir in the the spinach and scallions before ladling into a bowl. In New Orleans they might have added mustard greens in place of the spinach, feel free to do whatever you like.
Let me know how much you love it. I have a feeling you will be making this one more than once.
Merna Schneider says
I use Better than Bouillion ham base to cook red beans with in water and instead of green bell pepper I prefer poblamo peppers
Merna Schneider says
I also use half a pound each of Tasso, andouille and cubes of ham for meat
Katie says
This sounds divine! I went to NOLA a few years ago on a business trip. I ate my way around the city during ever free moment I had. Once you eat true creole cooking nothing will ever live up to your expectations again! Lol
kellypea says
I have to make this (with pintos — it’s a family thing). It really has me wishing it was done and waiting for our dinner tonight. Sunday…I’ll post it 🙂 YUM.
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
There is just something about home cooked beans. This soup is so colorful! Love it. I’ve been craving soup like mad lately.
Minnie@thelady8home says
With this super cold all around, this looks and sounds so divine and sends across warmth. 😀
Weni says
Just made/ate it. YUM! Will definitely be making this again.