New Orleans Red Beans

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.
3. In a large pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1-1/2 hours until beans are tender.
6. Stir.
7. Mash beans against side of pan.
8. Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
9. Cook, uncovered, over low heat until creamy (about 30 minutes).
10. Remove bay leaves.
11. Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired.