When my children prepared a Cajun meal as a school project, we modified our tried-and-true Mexican bean recipe to create this Cajun bean recipe.
A strict Paleo diet does not include beans. However, if the beans are soaked before cooking, they are much more digestible. [1] Dr. William Davis recommends eating beans in moderation because they promote good gut health. His recommendation is to limit the serving size to only 1/4 – 1/2 cup per meal. [2]
Rice is not included in a Paleo diet either. To be honest, I would love to completely eliminate all grains from our family table, but we aren’t there yet. For now, we are trying to gradually reduce the amount of grains eaten while increasing the amount of grass-fed meats and fresh vegetables.
The current goal is to aim for Dr. Davis’ recommendation of 15 net carbs per meal. [2]
Cajun Black Beans Recipe
6 cups dry black beans, soaked for 24 hours, then cooked, drained, and rinsed
Place beans in a 6 qt. crock-pot and add:
1 large white onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced
6 large jalapenos, chopped
2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh preferred, but canned works if fresh are not available)
1 teaspoon ground cayenne
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 bay leaves
Cook on high for one hour, then reduce to low and cook for another 4 to 6 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Enjoy!
References:
- Fallon, Sally, Nourishing Traditions, New Trends Publishing, Washington, D.C., revised second edition, 2007.
- Davis, William, Wheat Belly Total Health, Rodale Inc., New York, NY, 2014.
