Cajun White Beans
Cajun White Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s packed with smoky ham, savory sausage, and perfectly seasoned white beans. Slow-cooked in a Dutch oven, this recipe is rich in Cajun spices and is perfect for a cozy family meal. The long simmering time allows the beans to soak up all the flavors, resulting in a delicious and hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy.
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Why You’ll Love Cajun White Beans
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with ham, sausage, and tender white beans, this dish is both filling and comforting.
- Bold Cajun Flavors: Seasoned with Cajun spices, fresh thyme, and garlic, every bite bursts with flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one Dutch oven, making for an easy meal with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors only get better over time, making it an excellent dish to enjoy throughout the week.
What You Need to Make Cajun White Beans
To make this savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below:
- White Beans: Rinsed and ready for slow cooking.
- Ham & Sausage: A combination of cubed ham, ham hock, and sliced smoked sausage add richness to the dish.
- Aromatics: Purple onion and minced garlic for a depth of flavor.
- Butter, Broth & Water: A bit of butter for sautéing, chicken stock, and water to form the cooking base.
- Seasonings: Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme for that classic Cajun taste.
How to Make Cajun White Beans
1
Cook the Meat & Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and add in the smoked sausage and cubed ham. Let cook for 7-10 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and let cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
2
Combine Beans & Liquid: Place the ham hock in the middle of the pot. Pour the rinsed beans around the ham hock. Add water and chicken stock to the pot, then sprinkle all seasonings over the top. Add fresh thyme, cover, and let it cook on medium heat for 4-5 hours. If beans soak up too much liquid, add more stock as needed.
3
Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking until you reach the desired thickness. Serve and enjoy this comforting Cajun classic!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried white beans?
Yes, but keep in mind that canned beans are already cooked, so you will need to reduce the cooking time significantly and adjust the liquid accordingly.
What type of smoked sausage works best?
Andouille sausage is traditional for Cajun dishes, but any smoked sausage will work. You can use your preferred variety to customize the flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, if you want a spicier flavor, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, celery, or carrots for additional flavor and texture.
Cajun White Beans
Ingredients
- 2 lbs white beans rinsed
- 1 ham hock
- 1 lb ham cubed
- 16 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 1 purple onion diced
- Minced garlic to taste
- 8 cups water
- 1 box chicken stock
- ½ stick butter
Seasonings:
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Fresh thyme
- Directions
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add in smoked sausage and cubed ham, and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Place the ham hock in the center of the pot. Pour rinsed beans around the ham hock and add water and chicken stock. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme over the top. Cover and let cook on medium heat for 4-5 hours, adding more stock if needed.
- Cook until the beans are tender and the dish reaches your desired thickness. Serve and enjoy!
