Blue Runner red beans offer one-stop shopping for a classic Louisiana meal. While these beans have a deep, smoky flavor, they make a comforting meal with rice and seasonings. For home cooks seeking that true Creole flavor with little work and huge flavor, it’s a fantastic recipe.
What You’ll Need to Make Blue Runner Red Beans
It takes a range of key seasonings and good-quality ingredients to make this dish. Using canned Blue Runner red beans and fresh aromatics brings a dish full of authentic flavors.
- Canned Ingredients: Blue Runner red beans are the foundation of this dish, lending a creamy consistency without long cooking times.
- Meats: Andouille sausage or smoked ham imparts a rich, savory depth of flavor to the beans.
- Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, and celery — the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking — are the base of the dish.
- Seasonings: Garlic, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne, and smoked paprika add warmth and depth.
- Extra Liquid: Chicken broth or water to get the beans to the right consistency.
Prepping the Aromatics for Better Flavor
To nail the bold Creole flavor, the aromatic ingredients have to be appropriately prepared. The cooking starts with vegetable sautéing, which is what produces their flavors.
Start by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and celery into small, even pieces to allow for uniform cooking. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat; add vegetables. You want them to soften, but not burn, so keep stirring. Once softened, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base will lend the entire dish a deep, rich savoriness.
Charring the Meat for a Smokier Foundation
The andouille sausage and smoked ham provide the beans with that smoky, slightly heated flavor. To prepare the meat:
- Cut the andouille sausage into thin rounds.
- If using ham, break it into bite-size pieces.
- Brown the sausage and ham in the pot with the aromatics to render out some fat and deepen the flavor.
- Stir often so it doesn’t burn, then set the meat aside while you cook the beans.
- Braising will keep those delicious browned bits left in the pot to create a deeply flavorful sauce that will enhance the final dish.
Cooking The Beans
Now that the aromatics and meat are ready, it’s time to incorporate the ingredients and simmer the beans. Blue Runner red beans are sold already cooked, but some slow simmering allows them to soak up more flavors.
Into the same pot, add the canned beans and liquid. Add water or chicken broth as needed to get the right consistency. Resuming the pot: stir in the sausage and all the ham, and then stir long, integrating all the ingredients.
Then, add bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne for heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 30 minutes on low heat, stirring periodically. That lets all the flavors mingle a bit plus thickens the beans up a little.
Tuning the Seasoning: Get The Taste Just Right
Proper adjustments in seasoning will make the dish flavorful and suited to individual preferences. Taste the beans occasionally and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- If the dish in question could use a little extra fire, add another pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Add extra smoked paprika for smoky depth.
- If the beans are overly salty, the addition of a splash of water or broth to the pot can balance the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the finished meal.
How to Make Blue Runner Red Beans and Rice
It was conventionally served with fluffy white rice, which absorbed the delicious bath of sauce. To serve:
- Prepare long-grain white rice following package instructions.
- Spoon a large scoop of red beans over the rice.
- Top the dish with some freshly chopped green onions and parsley for visual interest and added freshness.
- Be sure to serve it with crusty French bread or cornbread the Creole way.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Best Results
And since the Blue Runner red beans are tastier on day two, they are just right for meal prep. Proper storage allows these flavors to develop further.
Once cooked, allow beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer. For leftovers, warm the beans gently over low heat on the stovetop, splashing in a little water or broth to return to the original consistency.
Fun Variations: To Dress Up the Recipe
For recipe tinkers, there are many ways to jazz this classic up:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and ham and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- More Heat: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for another kick.
- Creamier Texture: As the beans simmer, mash a small portion for a thicker consistency.
- Coastal Variation: Add shrimp or crawfish during the last five minutes for a twist of the coast.
Why Red Beans and Rice Is So Much More Than Just Another Meal?
Red beans and rice have deep roots in Louisiana’s culinary history. First made on Mondays with leftover ham bones from Sunday dinners, the dish became a weekly routine. The slow-cooked beans were a filling, inexpensive meal that simply needed periodic checking on, letting cooks focus on other duties around the house.
Today, this dish is still a hallmark of Southern hospitality, often appearing at picnics and parties. Though there are many variations, the crux of the recipe remains the same — a comforting, hearty meal around with family and friends.
Blue Runner Red Beans Side Dish Pairing Guide
The right selection of side dishes makes the food taste better. Classic accompaniments serve to balance flavors while also contributing texture and variety to the overall meal.
Cornbread is a classic option, with a bit of delicate sweetness to contrast with the salty beans. A slice of warm, buttery bread is the perfect accompaniment.
Collard greens or sautéed mustard greens add just enough bitterness to counter the red beans’ richness. A sprinkle of vinegar adds flavor to them.
For a little contrast, a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a crunch. This gives a light contrast to the hearty main course.
Conclusion
The Blue Runner red beans recipe will have you cooking like your west New Orleans mom. Laden with a brisk amalgam of spices, smoky meats, and creamy beans, this dish is as much about flavor as it is about comfort. Enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, it’s a classic of Creole cooking that never goes out of fashion.
