Cajun red beans and rice

Cajun red beans and rice is a hearty, savory stew of red beans simmered with the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking (onion, celery, bell pepper), spices, and often smoked sausage or ham. It is a signature dish of Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine, traditionally served over white rice.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced source of complex carbohydrates from the beans and rice, with a moderate amount of protein from the beans and meat. A typical serving provides a good dose of fiber, iron, and folate, and generally falls in the 400-600 calorie range.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	320 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Folate	180 mcg
Thiamin (B1)	0.5 mg
Magnesium	80 mg
Phosphorus	220 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a classic "Monday dish" in New Orleans, historically using the leftover ham bone from Sunday dinner. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and rice creates a complete protein, making it a particularly satisfying and economical meal.