Red Beans, Rice, Vegetables, and Pasta

It’s lucky that we have the tradition of eating red beans every Monday in New Orleans. Loaded with soluble fiber, red beans are thought to counter the effects of the fats we have a habit of overusing in our local diet. (The sausage that traditionally comes with the beans, for example.) Beans of all colors are a big deal in New Orleans, especially at lunch, and they are the center of the meal, not just a side dish.

Rice is important, too. New Orleanians eat more rice than any other Americans except those of Asian descent. Most of us prefer it to potatoes. Even dishes like beef stew are served over rice here, and every family has two or three unique side dishes made with rice.