Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with the most mouth-watering Cajun Beans and Ham recipe that'll transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana! If you're craving a hearty, flavor-packed dish that comes together in under an hour, you've just hit the culinary jackpot. This soul-warming recipe combines the smoky richness of ham, the creamy texture of black beans, and a bold Cajun kick that'll have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of diced ham, 2 cans of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced ham to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the ham to brown slightly and release its flavors.
- Once the ham is browned, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pot, followed by the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 30 minutes, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning at this point.
- Once the flavors have melded together and the dish is heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Cajun Beans and Ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality diced ham or even leftover holiday ham for an extra depth of taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing the onions and garlic to caramelize slowly builds a rich flavor foundation.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it spicier.
- For a thicker consistency, you can slightly mash some of the beans while cooking to create a creamier texture.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance - the flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Serve over steamed rice or with a side of cornbread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions make an excellent garnish and add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
