Crock Pot Red Beans And Rice With Ham Recipe

The slow cooker makes these red beans a snap to cook, and they are delicious on rice. Serve with a salad and crusty new orleans french bread. Cornbread is another popular bread to serve with beans. Another meat option is andouille sausage, which is a classic addition to red beans. You can either add it to the beans before they're done or serve the sausage on the side. Or, for meatier beans, brown about 1 cup of leftover diced ham and add it about an hour before the beans are ready. If you don't have a leftover ham bone, use one or two ham hocks or shanks (depending on size), or add some thick smoked bacon. Either addition will give you a rich, smoky flavor. To jazz the beans up a bit, add a teaspoon or two of creole seasoning, to taste. Most cajun or creole seasoning contains salt, so taste the beans before you add any additional salt.