New Orleans Red Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried red beans
• 2 quarts water
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 fresh bay leaves
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.

2. 2

   In a large pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.

3. 3

   Cover and cook over low heat for about 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pan.

4. 4

   Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

5. 5

   Cook, uncovered, over low heat until creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

6. 6

   Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired.