Are you in search of a delicious and healthy meal that won't leave you with a bulging waistline? Look no further than Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, with only 90 calories per 1/2 cup (120 g) serving. This flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your diet.
Not only is this dish low in calories, but it's also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The red beans and rice provide a hearty source of complex carbohydrates, while traditional New Orleans spices add a kick of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, how to prepare it, storage instructions, and more. Let's get started!
Calories in Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
As previously mentioned, 1/2 cup (120 g) of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice contains only 90 calories. This makes it a great option if you're trying to watch your weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The dish is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Ingredients in Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
The ingredients in Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice include red beans, white rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. The dish is typically prepared with smoked sausage or ham hocks, but you can also make it vegetarian-friendly by omitting the meat. Red beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They also contain antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases. Rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates and provides energy to fuel your day. Meanwhile, onions, bell peppers, and garlic all contain vitamins and minerals that help support immune function and overall health.
Health Benefits of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice is packed with health benefits. For starters, it's an excellent source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscles, cells, and tissues. Moreover, red beans contain folate, iron, and magnesium, which all play critical roles in promoting heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, the dish is low in fat and high in fiber, helping to promote gut health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The spices used in New Orleans-style cooking are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, offering further health benefits.
Suitable Dietary Restrictions for Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to a variety of dietary restrictions. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, simply omit the sausage or ham hocks and add extra spices for flavor. If you're on a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the white rice for brown rice or another gluten-free grain. For those with lactose intolerance, Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice is a great option as it doesn't contain any dairy products. Moreover, the dish is low in fat and cholesterol, making it an excellent choice for those with heart health concerns.
Cooking Directions for Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
To prepare Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, start by soaking 1 pound of red beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse the beans and place them in a large pot along with 8 cups of water, 1 chopped onion, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 2 hours, add 1 pound of smoked sausage or ham hocks (optional), 3 cloves of minced garlic, and a blend of spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional hour, or until the beans are tender and the sausage in cooked through. Serve the red bean mixture over cooked white rice, with additional spices as desired. Enjoy!
Nutrient Composition of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
1/2 cup (120 g) of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice contains the following nutrients: - calories: 90 - Protein: 5 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 260 milligrams
- Iron: 8% of the Daily Value
- Magnesium: 6% of the Daily Value
- Folate: 4% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 2% of the Daily Value
Storage Instructions for Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
To store Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the red beans for up to 4-6 months, either in the cooking container or in individual serving containers. When reheating, place the red bean mixture in a microwave-safe dish or saucepan and heat until it's steaming hot. Add additional spices or seasonings as needed to enhance the flavor.
Comparison of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice with Other Rice Dishes
Compared to other rice dishes, Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice is a healthier option. For example, a 1-cup serving of chicken fried rice contains approximately 178 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 32 grams of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, a 1-cup serving of cheesy broccoli and rice casserole contains around 263 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 19 grams of carbohydrates. By contrast, a 1/2 cup serving of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice contains only 90 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 16 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great choice if you're trying to lose weight, control your blood sugar levels, or improve your heart health.
Adding Varieties to Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
If you're looking to add variety to your Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, try mixing up the spices or adding different vegetables to the recipe. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian or vegan option. Another way to add variety is to serve the red bean mixture over a different type of grain, such as quinoa or brown rice. This will not only add more fiber to your meal but will also give it a unique taste and texture.
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice does not contain any common allergens such as gluten, dairy, or nuts. However, if you have a specific allergy or dietary restriction, it's always best to double-check the ingredients and preparation method to ensure that it's safe for you to consume.
5 FAQ About Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
1. How many calories are in 1/2 cup of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice?
There are 90 calories in 1/2 cup (120 g) of Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice.
2. Is Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice a healthy food option?
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice can be a healthy food option when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is low in fat and high in fiber and protein, but it is also high in sodium. It is important to check the nutrition label and watch portion sizes.
3. How is Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice typically prepared?
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice is typically prepared by cooking the red beans and rice together with Creole seasoning, vegetables, and sometimes meat, such as sausage or ham.
4. Is Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice a vegetarian option?
It depends on how it is prepared. If meat is not added, then Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice can be a vegetarian option. However, it's important to check the label and ingredients to ensure that there are no animal products included.
5. Where can I find Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice?
Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice can be found in stores that carry Cajun or Creole cuisine, as well as some grocery stores. It can also be made at home using a recipe and ingredients found online or in cookbooks.