Skip to main content

Kidney (Red) Beans with Ham—In New Orleans, These Beans Would be Served with Rice (Brown, of Course).

Cooks' Note

Kidney beans are among the highest in fiber content of the bean family. Although we use red kidney beans in this recipe, you could easily substitute white kidney beans, also called cannellini beans.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

1 pound dried kidney beans, rinsed and picked over
2 quarts (8 cups) water
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 large bay leaves
Ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. Combine the beans and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, sauté the ham in a medium nonstick skillet over high heat until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the meat to a bowl and add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the ham, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and pepper to the beans. Bring back to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until slightly tender, about 1 hour, adding more water if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the salt and serve.

Sugar Busters! Quick & Easy Cookbook
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.