Awesome Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 (1 lb) package red kidney beans

• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 medium onion
• 4 celery ribs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 1/2-2 tablespoons creole seasoning or cajun seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves
• 8 cups water
• 1 lb smoked sausage (I have used chorizo which is good, but andouille is best)
• cooked rice (at least 3 cups)

Directions

1. 1

   Soak kidney beans overnight OR rinse beans and add to pot, cover with 8 cups water and bring to boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then turn off heat and let sit, covered for one hour.

2. 2

   Pour out water and add 8 cups fresh water.

3. 3

   Chop onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic.

4. 4

   Add to beans.

5. 5

   Add salt, pepper, thyme, seasoned salt, and Creole seasoning.

6. 6

   Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. When you stir, be sure to mash the beans against the sides of the pot. This creates a creamier texture.

7. 7

   Slice the sausage into 1/4 inch pieces and add to beans. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Serve Red Beans over hot, steaming rice. Serve Jiffy cornbread on side (add 1 stick of butter and an extra egg to the recipe

9. 9

   for some kick-ass cornbread!).