Gratin of Red Beans (New Orleans Style)

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A hearty, Cajun-inspired bean casserole with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping
Gratin of Red Beans (New Orleans Style recipe image

This New Orleans-style red bean gratin is a comforting, savory dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table. The base features kidney beans simmered with the classic “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and peppers, along with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, thyme, and oregano. A splash of red wine and chopped tomatoes adds depth and richness to the stew. Topped with a mixture of wholemeal breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, it bakes until golden brown and bubbling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Gratin of Red Beans (New Orleans Style)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 1849.1
Dietary:

Description

This New Orleans-style red bean gratin is a comforting, savory dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table. The base features kidney beans simmered with the classic "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and peppers, along with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, thyme, and oregano. A splash of red wine and chopped tomatoes adds depth and richness to the stew. Topped with a mixture of wholemeal breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, it bakes until golden brown and bubbling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C, gas mark 6).
  2. Place the chopped onions in a large frying pan or Dutch oven with 6 fl oz (180 ml) of vegetable stock.
  3. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
  4. Uncover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the onions are amber brown and beginning to stick to the pan.
  5. Stir in the chopped peppers, celery, and a splash of remaining vegetable stock.
  6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the added vegetables are softened.
  7. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, thyme, dried oregano, chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red wine.
  8. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes until the mixture is thick and savory.
  9. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
  10. Spread the bean mixture evenly into a baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle the top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  12. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbling and browned on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 1849.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 200.9g310%
Saturated Fat 30.0g150%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 43.5mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 17.9g6%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g24%
Sugars 8.7g
Protein 2.8g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The recipe can be prepared up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping and refrigerated until needed. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

For a very low-fat version, omit the Parmesan cheese. You can still use the breadcrumbs for texture, or sprinkle with additional herbs.

If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper to taste.

Keywords: red beans, gratin, new orleans, cajun, kidney beans, vegetarian main, bean casserole, parmesan crust, comfort food, holy trinity, spiced beans, make ahead, weeknight dinner, hearty, savory, baked beans, onion, celery, peppers, thyme
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