Pastalaya à la Blue RunnerLouisiana is one of the top three rice-producing states in America but that doesn’t stop us from loving pasta, too! In fact, so many Italian immigrants (nearly 300,000) came to New Orleans between 1884 and 1924 that the French Quarter was dubbed “Little Palermo.” In this jambalaya recipe, we substitute rice for penne pasta and make it even easier by starting with Blue Runner Jambalaya Base. Bon appetit! (Or should we say “buon appetito!”) Serves 6Blue Runner Black Bean SoupYou wouldn’t think soup would be a big deal in a tropical climate like New Orleans, but you’d be wrong. When the temp drops even slightly, we call it gumbo weather. Because you can’t eat gumbo every day, we recommend you try Blue Runner Black Bean Soup. It has an irresistible smoky flavor and is packed with the fiber and veggies your body craves. It’s a perfect warm-me-up from October all the way through to Mardi Gras parade season. To make it extra special, throw on some cilantro, sour cream and minced red onion, mister! Your fam is going to love it. Serves 6.Blue White Chicken ChiliThe best white beans are Blue! You’ll love this recipe and will have the urge to make it whenever the thermometer dips below 80. Like most chili dishes, this one is best served on day two but don’t let that stop you from serving it on day one. If you’ve never made chicken chili before, you’re in for a real treat. Serves 8.Bisque BlueThere are two things we love in Louisiana – blue crab and Blue Runner. Add brie (yum) and you’ve got a sweet yet savory bisque your whole family will love at Thanksgiving time or anytime.
In case you didn’t know it, the blue crab we enjoy on the Gulf Coast is the same species as the Chesapeake Blue Crab. According to Wikipedia, the blue crab was an important food item for Native Americans and European settlers as early as the 1600s. If it wasn’t served at the first Thanksgiving, it should have been. Yields one gallonWhite Bean Harvest SaladThere’s much ado about all things pumpkin spice this time of year, but what we get really excited about is butternut squash, which has a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin. In fact, in Australia and New Zealand, it’s called a butternut pumpkin. Roasted with Blue Runner white beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, pomegranate arils, mulberries, and other good stuff, and served with a zesty horseradish dressing, this recipe is ideal as a Thanksgiving dinner side or on any night you want to impress your tastebuds. Serves 4.
Thyme and White Bean Pot PieBlue Runner Foods is proud to be a sponsor of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the Louisiana ProStart Program. This year we partnered with the LRAEF for the first ever #BlueRunnerBeanWeek, a week full of learning the ins-and-outs of cooking with Blue Runner beans. Students enrolled in the ProStart curriculum across Louisiana high schools made recipes during the week using various Blue Runner canned and dry bean products.
The final day of Bean Week, students were tasked with incorporating beans into their own recipe. Out of more than 45 recipes submitted, we are proud to announce Stephanie White's ProStart class at Plaquemine Senior High School as the winners! Please enjoy their incredible Thyme & White Bean Pot Pie recipe.
Makes 6 portions, portion size is 1 Pot Pie.Blue Runner’s Crawfish Fusilli FestEvery year at Jazz Fest in New Orleans there’s a long line waiting for Crawfish Monica from Kajun Kettle Foods. This legendary dish was invented by Chef Pierre Hilzim and named for his wife Monica Davidson. Blue Runner’s Crawfish Fusilli Fest was inspired by Hilzim’s recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret. If you’re having a crawfish boil, keep peeling after you’re full and make this recipe yourself. Blast some WWOZ while you cook to make it feel like you’re at the Fair Grounds. Serves 4-6.Cinco de Beans-ohAnybody who tells you Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain has had one too many margaritas. The truth is Mexico won that battle in 1810. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates Mexico’s defeat of the French in the Franco-Mexican War at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. While we understand that they celebrate the holiday bigtime in the state of Puebla, it’s a relatively minor holiday in the rest of Mexico. Here in United States, though, Cinco de Mayo has become a huge celebration of Mexican culture. In New Orleans, of course, we’re always looking for a good excuse for a party. These refried beans made with Blue Runner Creole Style Black Beans are delicioso--and they only take 25 minutes. Get cookin’ so you can get dippin’. Serves 4-6.Instant Pot JambalayaIn New Orleans, many of our recipes are cooked slow and on low, but if you can get all the flavor in less time, why wait? An Instant Pot® will save you time and so will using Blue Runner Jambalaya Base.
Some people believe that jambalaya was invented by Spanish settlers in New Orleans who, trying to make paella, substituted tomatoes for hard-to-get-your-hands-on saffron. Others say it evolved over time, taking a little of this and a little of that from Spanish, French, African and Native American cooks. And still others insist their mama invented it. We don’t care where it came from. All we know is good and it’s not going anywhere. Serves 6.JambalayaWho invented jambalaya? Who cares? All we know is Blue Runner reinvented it with this convenient – and delicious – Creole Jambalaya Base. That means, less chopping and more enjoying. Works for us!
Instant Pot Red BeansFinally break down and buy an instant pot? Now it’s time to put it to the test. Can it make red beans as good as your mama’s? Only time will tell. And it won’t be that much time at that!
Slow Cooker Red Beans and RiceThink red beans are best slow and on low? You’re not alone. They’re also creamier when you combine Blue Runner dried and canned red beans. Give it a try, then let us know what you think. Mondays just got better…and easier.
Tuna Steak and White BeansIf we were a tuna, we’d want to end up on a bed of Blue Runner White Beans. Don’t let the length of this recipe put you off. It’s easier than it looks on paper and, one bite, and you’ll be so glad you went for it.
Herby Green Rice with Peas and BeansTired of eating the same old things, week after week? Here’s a recipe you’ll love so much you’ll be taking pics of it on your phone and sharing it with all your friends. (Hey, look what I made!) if you’re a fan of goat cheese, don’t pass this one up.Chicken and Sausage GumboLet’s get this on the record: There is no such thing as gumbo season. Gumbo season is whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious – a taste of home, if you’re from Louisiana. And if you think seafood gumbo is the only way to go, we’re about to prove you wrong. The fact that Blue Runner makes it so easy to make gumbo that tastes this homemade is gobsmacking – not to mention lip smacking.Brothy Beans and ToastSo you fell in love with avocado toast when it became the rage – now it’s time to expand your repertoire even further. First of all, Brothy Beans is fun to say. Second of all, it’s amazing for breakfast, lunch or any old time. Nurture yourself with this recipe as soon as you can.Best Ever Blue Runner ChiliTexas is known for their chili but Louisiana knows a thing or two, too. Our Blue Runner Homestyle Chili Starter and this recipe are everything you need for a chili night done right. As for toppings, cheese is always good. Green onions and sour cream are even better. And don’t forget the corn chips.
Crawfish EtoufféeEtouffée means “smothered” and this recipe is smothered in love – not to mention tradition. After the crawfish boil, keep peeling until you have enough mudbugs to add to your étouffée. As with all Blue Runner products, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to get that “from scratch” flavor.
Arugula Pesto and White Bean PanzanellaFeel like pasta tonight? We hear you! This recipe had us at the homemade croutons. When anyone is drizzling olive oil over French bread, we’re there! We also love the fact that something so good for you like navy beans can taste so darn good. We make this whenever we want to impress friends but, mostly, we make it because we love it.
15-Minute Seafood Gumbo Ya-YaWhen our ancestors settled in Louisiana, we’re pretty sure what kept them here was the seafood (it sure wasn’t the humidity). The good thing about living in our time instead of there’s, is we can make a great pot of seafood gumbo in 15 minutes with Blue Runner Ya-Ya Gumbo Base. Not convinced it will be as good as the gumbo grandmère used to make? One taste from your wooden spoon as you lean over the stove will back up our claim.15-Minute Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Ya-YaYou could spend most of the day making gumbo your mama’s way or you can open a can of Blue Runner Ya-Ya Gumbo Base and no one will be any the wiser. Trust us, if your grandmother and them had been able to use this amazing base, they would have. We start from scratch so you don’t have to.Mardi Gras White Bean, Cauliflower and Potato SoupDown here in Louisiana, we don’t have cold weather often but, when we do, it’s a “wet cold” and soup is the perfect warm-me-up. This easy vegetarian instant pot recipe is great to come home to after you’ve been standing out in the cold at Mardi Gras parades all day. To make it extra special, we suggest adding in a little sour cream and chives before serving. Serves 6.Black Bean and Chipotle SoupWhen the weather drops below 70 degrees, you may be looking to cook something warm and hearty. A Black Bean and Chipotle Soup will surely do the trick! Loaded with vegetables and Blue Runner Creole Cream Style Black Beans, this soup will provide you with a quick dish to make. Serves 4-6 people.Three-bean SaladWho says Three-Bean Salad is just for summer? This colorful dish will look great on your holiday table and, trust us, it’s better than the one grandma used to make. This dish is good for up to three days after you make it so it’s perfect for the holidays.Blue Runner Rice DressingWith Blue Runner Jambalaya base, this popular side dish becomes the main event! While dirty rice is made with ground organ meats like livers, hearts and giblets, this rice dressing is made with ground beef and pork. Take your holiday dressing to the next level with this easy yet delicious recipe.Blue Runner Boeuf Daube (Creole Pot Roast)If you’re from New Orleans, this is your grandmother’s pot roast! Normally this version of French Daube takes longer to make than your typical pot roast but, when you start with Blue Runner Wild Game Base, you can cut time without cutting flavor. You can literally set and forget it.
Fun fact: According to the history books, Daube originated in southern France near Spain and–get this–bulls killed in bullfights were butchered and often used for this dish. They called it Daube because It was cooked in a daubiére, a pot with a narrow neck that increases condensation. Blue Runner Creamy Navy Beans and ShrimpThis recipe is fun to make and one that will impress a lot of guests at holiday time or any dinner party. This dish comes together like Shrimp and Grits, but we used Blue Runner’s Creole-Style beans as an alternative creamy base.Bruschetta with Creamy Black Beans and Lemony MicrogreensLooking for some fun and festive appetizers to serve this holiday season? Everybody loves bruschetta! The word bruschetta comes from Italian word abbrustolire which means “'to toast.” They say that toasting bread and soaking it with freshly pressed olive oil is a practice as old as Rome itself.Braised White Beans and Cherry TomatoesThis savory side dish is ideal if you’re a vegetarian or just a legume lover! Serve with fresh toasted baguettes from your favorite local bakery.Leftover Turkey Gumbo with Potato SaladIn Louisiana, we don’t throw away our turkey carcasses after Thanksgiving or Christmas. We hold onto those otherwise discarded bones for leftover turkey and sausage gumbo! Those in the know, however, know that there’s an even better–not to mention faster–way to get that rich gumbo flavor. You use a jarred roux and Blue Runner Creole Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Base. This recipe will save you the extra thirty minutes of stirring on a lazy day.Spicy Sausage + White Bean SoupFall is about gathering together around soup. You’ll find this easy-to-make recipe ultra-comforting. There’s just a hint of spice so don’t let the name scare you off. As for prep time, you know what they say: “The family that slices and dices together eats more homemade soup together!” Give the kids their own cutting boards and make it a family affair.Orecchiette with Shrimp, Greens & BeansIn A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche Dubois said, “Don't you just love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans, when an hour isn't just an hour, but a little piece of eternity dropped into your hands and who knows what to do with it?” Well, we know just what to do with it: Make this dish. Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta for the orecchiette and use whatever kinds of greens you like best (spinach, rapini, kale, broccoli, escarole or chard). You can also swap out the shrimp for sausage, bacon or scallops. Experiment with different kinds of Blue Runner beans.
Recipe adapted from @primal_gourmet
Black Bean + Corn SalsaThis zesty relish can be served on its own with chips, but can also be made into a heartier salad by adding meat, pork loin, lamb, or maybe skirt steak.Lemony Pasta with Asparagus and White BeansMarinating canned white beans in lemon juice and zest, along with red-pepper flakes and shallots, imbues them with brightness and a touch of heat, adding so much flavor to this warm-weather pasta.Black Bean BurgersBetween homemade, restaurant, and store-bought, these are the best black bean burgers we've ever tried. These burgers are not vegan or vegetarian. (See recipe note to make adjustments if necessary.) With great reviews from taste testers around the world, we're confident you’ll be satisfied with this black bean burger recipe!Black Bean DipFor a healthier alternative to sour cream, try mixing in nonfat Greek yogurt.Pasta with White BeansThe key to a soup with fully developed savory flavor starts with the soffritto—a mix of aromatic vegetables that are slowly cooked in the first stage of cooking. Take your time sweating down the vegetables until they are completely softened before letting them take on any color. You’ll be surprised by how much volume they lose and how much liquid they release and by how much unquantifiable richness they lend to the final dish, which is nothing more than a combination of humble ingredients. Homemade Baked BeansTry these delicious classic New Orleans baked beansWhite Bean HummusOur favorite garlicky starter with a Creole kick! We love thinking outside of the box, and this recipe does just that. Navy beans serve as an excellent substitute for chickpeas due to their creamy texture and neutral nutty flavor. We took that substitute just a step further by adding in some Creole flare by using Blue Runner Creole Cream Style Navy Beans and serving with Zapp's chips!Crispy Red BeansIf you like roasted chickpeas, you’re going to love these crispy red beans tossed with fresh herbs and spices.Cheesy Bean BakeServe with bread and a bitter-green salad.Navy Beans and ShrimpCanned beans are your friend in this garlic shrimp recipe. Serves 4Two Bean ChiliServe in bowls topped with grated Cheddar cheese and salsa fresca for a festive touch.White Beans and Fried FishServe with white rice or spooned over jambalaya.Spinach MadeleineServe with crackers as an appetizer, as a stuffing or for a savory side item, this dish has a place in any part of your meal!Sticky ChickenThis dish is called "sticky chicken" because it sticks to your fingers when you eat it. We don't know if it's Cajun or Creole, but it sure is good! Oyster Rockefeller SoupThis creamy and delicious soup is an adaptation of the famous New Orleans dish, "Oysters Rockefeller," which was named for how rich it is. Ms. Lou loves to also save a few oysters to fry and throw on top as garnish!Baked Chappapeela Duck with Fig SauceThe best way to cook duck, Ms. Lou knows you will not bake it any other way after trying this favorite.Ms. Lou’s Thanksgiving Sweet PotatoesThanksgiving at Ms. Lou's house would not be complete without these sweet potatoes. She brings this delicious side dish to the dinner table every year. It is a family favorite!Pecan PieThis pecan pie is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. A slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the dessert of choice in Ms. Lou's house!Fried Thanksgiving TurkeyFried Turkey? Well of course Mrs. Lou has the easiest recipe for the Thanksgiving standard enjoyed by so many in the South. Violet’s Salad DressingYou'll never find a store-bought salad dressing in Ms. Lou's kitchen. This deliciously tangy dressing was named after Francis Violet Lodato, who was somewhat of the family mentor in the kitchen.Baked MacaroniMs. Lou's baked macaroni and cheese is a staple during the holiday season, but is good enough to make year-round. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.Red Velvet CakeMs. Lou's red velvet cake can satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth. Don't believe us? You should try it.Sweet Potato & Andouille SoupCreamy and delicious, Mrs. Lou's sweet potato and andouille soup is perfect for a chilly January lunch or dinner.Shrimp and White Bean SaladA perfect salad. Light, tasty and ready for any warm day. Ms. Lou likes to make it ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for a few hours.Red Bean BurgersThis red bean burger is a great alternative for when you're looking for something a little less greasy. Ms. Lou will even make them ahead of time and freeze the patties for grilling later.Corn and Crab BisqueMs. Lou's Corn and Crab bisque is a sweet, creamy dish that will have your friends begging for more!Two Bean SaladThis cool two bean salad is a light, refreshing side to any picnic or outdoor activity. Watermelon, Red Bean & Feta SaladThis watermelon, red bean and feta salad is a refreshing mixture of flavors that makes for a light, fresh lunch.Barbecue Baked BeansThese sweet and tangy BBQ baked beans are a delicious side to any dish. They're so good sometimes Ms. Lou just has them as the main course!Vegetarian White Bean Soup with Corn TortillasA wonderful soup for vegetarians. It packs a bounty of flavors, with a warming comfort for those cooler evenings.Blue Runner Red Bean and Corn SuccotashThis colorful and flavorful vegetable succotash is good year-round as a side dish or sprinkled on salads. It gets better as it marinates in the refrigerator and can be served warm, cold, or room temperature.Roasted Garlic Hummus with Blue Runner® Navy BeansThis Navy bean hummus is a delicious spin on a classic dish created by Chef Frank Brigtsen. It is great as a side or as a spread. Chicken & Sausage GumboAlthough her family loves a good homemade gumbo, Ms. Lou knows it takes time and money. That’s why when she’s in a hurry, she just uses Blue Runner Gumbo Base. And you know what, they can’t tell the difference!Seafood GumboSpring is Ms. Lou's favorite time of year. It's seafood season, and a reason to give up boring! Mrs. Lou always starts with Blue Runner Creole Gumbo base so her recipe ends with a smile. New Orleans Navy BeansThis recipe will surely please the most discerning lover of Creole meals. Try this dish with a side of pork chops or fried catfish. Enjoy!New Orleans Red BeansJames Beard Award winning Chef Frank Brigsten demonstrates his recipe on this classic New Orleans dish. You’ll dream about these red beans and rice.Warm Red Bean Pimento Cheese DipJames Beard Award winning Chef Frank Brigsten demonstrates how to use Creole cream style red beans to create a fantastic party dip.Smothered Pork Chops with White Bean GravyJames Beard Award winning Chef Frank Brigsten demonstrates how to white bean gravy with Blue Runner® Creole Navy Bean Soup.Creole Crawfish Tomato BisqueThis recipe can also be used as a sauce for Crawfish Pasta!Perfect RiceChef Frank Brigtsen showed us his rice recipe, and it is perfect. This rice is so good, you could eat it as the main dish. Crawfish EtoufféeJames Beard Award winning chef Frank Brigtsen gives us his recipe for a quick and delicious Crawfish Etouffè. PestoThis dish is great mixed with rice and served with many of our creole meal bases. Shrimp Creole with Pesto RiceEnjoy the opening of inshore shrimp season along the Gulf coast, as well as the appearance of Creole tomatoes in our local markets.Filé Gumbo with Chicken & SausageA sneak-peek at Chef Frank Brigtsen's recipe for a quick and delicious Chicken and Sausage Gumbo in a pinch.Shrimp EtoufféeChef Frank Brigtsen’s shrimp étouffée brings together all of the hallmarks of Louisiana cooking in one delicious dish.Avocado Toast with Spicy White Beans & Fried EggA unique take on the suddenly-popular Avocado toast, Chef Frank Brigtsen’s recipe brings the cajun flavor to this California favorite. Black Bean Taco DipThis quick and simple Black Bean Taco Dip from Chef Frank Bristen is the perfect go-to dish for tailgate parties and casual entertaining.Mango Black Bean SaladThis simple Black Bean Mango Salad is the perfect go-to dish for tailgate parties and casual entertaining. Can be served on tacos, eaten as salsa or main dish. Pressure Cooker Red BeansLet the pressure cooker take the pressure off of you! Everyone’s favorite dish can now be made in no time.
