Crock pot red beans and ham

Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham is a delightful dish that encapsulates the heartiness of Southern cooking while offering the ease of slow-cooking convenience. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or laid-back weekends, this recipe blends dry red kidney beans, savory ham, and flavorful seasonings into a warming stew that fills the home with an irresistible aroma.

The roots of Red Beans and Ham recipe back to Louisiana's rich culinary tradition, where it emerged as a post-Civil War staple. Traditionally, households would prepare this dish on laundry day , Monday allowing their beans to simmer throughout the day while tending to chores. 

Ingredients were often sourced from the local market or backyard gardens, aligning with the zero-waste ethos prevalent in communities. Using a crockpot, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing flavors to meld and intensify during the slow cooking process. 

Ingredients like smoked sausage, fresh vegetables from the "Holy Trinity" (onion, bell pepper, and celery), and aromatic seasonings transform into a rich, creamy dish served over fluffy white rice. Often, leftovers make for a perfect lunch, reinforcing the dish's practicality.

What is the Holy Trinity ingredient?

The Trinity. The name refers to the Christian Holy Trinity, describing God as three divine people in one body, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Cajun trinity is a nod to Louisiana’s Catholic heritage.

The "Holy Trinity" is a term commonly used in Cajun and Creole cooking, referring to a combination of three key ingredients: onions, celery, and bell peppers. These ingredients serve as the base for many dishes, particularly in Southern Louisiana cuisine, and are used in soups, stews, gumbo, and jambalaya. 

They provide a flavorful foundation for these dishes, much like the "mirepoix" (onions, carrots, and celery) in French cooking. In other regional cuisines, the specific combination of the "Holy Trinity" may vary slightly, but this particular trio is iconic in Creole and Cajun cooking.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham

The key to elevating the flavor of Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham lies in its aromatics and seasonings. A combination of the "Holy Trinity" of Creole cooking onion, bell pepper, and celery creates a beautiful base. Here’s what you'll need:

• 2 lb red beans
• 1 ham hock
• 8 cups water
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 1 green bell pepper cut into ¾ inch pieces

• 2 medium onions chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tbs ground cayenne red pepper
• 1 Tbs cumin
• Salt and pepper

Seasonings like Cajun or Creole seasoning and bay leaves add personality to the dish, making each bite a delicious experience. These ingredients come together to create a warming, inviting meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends. here is my new orleans rice and beans recipe.

How to make crock pot red beans and rice recipe?

Preparing for your delicious Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham starts with the red beans. While soaking isn’t required for every recipe, it certainly helps in achieving perfect tenderness. Here are a few tips and steps to follow:

Start by rinsing your dried red beans under cool water. This helps remove any debris and ensures a cleaner end product. Place the beans in a bowl and cover them with water. Ideally, let them soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.

This step hydrates the beans and shortens the cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again. This process aids in digestion and prevents any unwanted gas during cooking.

Add beans, ham hock, bell pepper, onions, garlic, red pepper, celery , cumin, pepper and water to crock pot. Add salt once beans are tender, adjusting salt as needed. Cook on high for 5-6 hours, low 8-9 hrs. If you want a thicker sauce, smash some of the beans, and stir back into the sauce. Serve over cooked white rice.

Serving and Enjoying Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham

Once your Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham recipe is perfectly cooked, it's time to enjoy this comforting dish! Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Over Rice: Serve the beans over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful broth, making every bite delightful.

• With Cornbread: Pair it with warm cornbread for a traditional Southern flair. The sweetness of cornbread perfectly complements the savory beans. For other recipe , try my Authentic cuban rice and beans.

• Tostadas or Tacos: Use the beans as a filling for tostadas or tacos, topped with fresh ingredients like avocado, salsa, or cheese for a tasty twist.

• Breakfast Burritos: Modify your morning routine by adding these beans to breakfast burritos, infusing the dish with rich flavor.

With these serving suggestions and storage tips, you can relish your Crock Pot Red Beans and Ham multiple times, savoring the comfort it brings to your table!

What to do if my red beans are too watery?

If your red beans are too watery, don't worry! There are a few things you can do to fix the issue:

Add a Thickening Agent: You can make a slurry with cornstarch or flour mixed with a little water and stir it into the beans. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. This will help thicken the broth.

Simmer to Reduce: Let the beans continue cooking on low heat. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, thickening the stew or soup. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Mash Some Beans: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will release their starches and naturally thicken the liquid.

Add a Thickening Vegetable: If you're making a stew, you could add diced potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables, which will absorb some of the liquid and contribute to the thickness.

Use a Roux: If you're aiming for a richer dish, you can make a roux (a mixture of flour and butter or oil) and stir it into the beans. This will thicken and add some flavor.

Choose the option that best fits your recipe and the texture you're looking for.