Cajun Red Beans
Cajun Red Beans is a hearty, soulful stew from Louisiana, traditionally simmered with red kidney beans, the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onion, celery, bell pepper), and a mix of spices. It's most famously served over rice and often includes smoked sausage or pork, making it a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the beans, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a solid mix of iron, folate, and potassium, and usually ranges from 400 to 600 calories depending on the specific recipe and added meats.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 15 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Iron | 5.2 mg |
| Folate | 180 mcg |
| Potassium | 820 mg |
| Magnesium | 95 mg |
| Zinc | 3.8 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
Per 1.5 cups (about 360 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's the traditional Monday meal in New Orleans, historically a way to use up Sunday's leftover pork bones. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and rice creates a complete protein, making it a particularly satisfying and balanced meal.
