New Orleans Red Beans

• 1 lbrefried beans
• 8 cupswater
• 1 1/2 cupsyellow onion, chopped
• 1 cupcelery, chopped
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cupgreen bell pepper, chopped
• 3 tbspgarlic, chopped
• 3 tbspfresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tspdried thyme, crushed
• 1 tspsalt
• 1 tspblack pepper, ground

quantities scale with servings

Method

1. 1

   Wash hands with soap and water.

2. 2

   Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.

3. 3

   In a large pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1-1/2 hours until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pot.

4. 4

   Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat until creamy (about 30 minutes). Remove bay leaves.

5. 5

   Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired.