Cajun Red Bean Soup

Cajun Red Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful stew rooted in Louisiana's Cajun cuisine, traditionally made with red kidney beans, the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onion, celery, bell pepper), and smoked meats like andouille sausage or ham hocks. It is a staple dish often associated with 'Red Beans and Rice' Mondays, a cultural tradition in New Orleans.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in protein and fiber due to the beans, while also providing a good source of complex carbohydrates and iron. A typical serving can range from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the amount of meat and fat used in the preparation.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	4 mg
Folate	120 mcg
Potassium	450 mg
Magnesium	55 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	1.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The dish is culturally significant as a traditional Monday meal in New Orleans, originally designed as a way to use up leftover Sunday ham bones while laundry was done. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and rice (often served with it) creates a complete protein, making it a historically important and budget-friendly meal.