Simple Red Beans N' Rice

Ingredients

• 1 lb red kidney bean
• 1/2 lb ham steak, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tablespoons celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 large bay leaf
• salt & pepper
• 8-10 cups water

Directions

1. 1

   Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large pan, render the ham chunks by cooking until the fat becomes liquid, remove ham and place to the side.

3. 3

   In the fat that remains sauté the onion, garlic, celery and parsley.In a large pot, combine the beans, water, meat, bay leaf, salt & pepper.

4. 4

   Bring to slow boil, lower heat to simmer and cook for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender.

5. 5

   Remove bay leaf and serve over rice.