Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 2 lbs red beans
• 1 1/2 lbs ham, chunks or 1 meaty ham bone
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Tabasco sauce, to taste
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 5 cups brown rice

Directions

1. 1

   Translation:.

2. 2

   Wash dried beans.

3. 3

   Remove any foreign matter, such as stems, etc.

4. 4

   Place in a large 4 to 6 quarts (4 to 6-liter) saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 4 to 5 quarts (4 to 5 liters) water, ham, onion, garlic and seasonings. Simmer slowly for about 3 hours until beans are soft and gravy is thick.

5. 5

   To Serve: Cook up some rice. Warm red bean soup in oven, on the stove top or in the microwave until nice and warm. Serve over cooked rice, with Tabasco sauce if you like it hot.