Red Beans and Rice

You can't get more southern than red beans and rice....oh, and don't forget the smoked sausage! Now that we are in the fall season with leaves changing and cooler temperatures this is a feel good, comfy cozy kind of meal...add corn bread and sweet tea and I'm there!

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 lb dry red beans
• 2 quarts water
• 1-1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 3 tbsp chopped parsley
• 3 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 lb smoked sausage sliced -( my add to)

Recipe Instructions:

1. Sort through your beans removing any defective beans or small stones that may be present. Place the beans in a colander and rinse several times.
2. Place beans, chopped onion, chopped celery, and bay leaves in a 5-quart pot and cover with two inches of water. Bring to boil, replace lid and reduce to low-heat. Cook for about 1-1/2 hours until beans are tender. When beans are tender remove bay leaves then mash and stir beans against side of pot.
3. Next add your remaining ingredients consisting of chopped green peppers, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook uncovered over low-heat for about 30 minutes, until red beans mixture is creamy.

Serve red beans over steamed rice.

Makes 8 servings.