Red Beans

Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 lb dried red beans, sorted, rinsed and quick soaked in 6 cups water
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 whole yellow onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 ham hock
• 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into bite sized pieces, browned in a skillet, for garnish
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1 whole avocado, chopped, for garnish

Recipe

• 1 quick soak the beans (i never remember to soak them the night before so i always quick soak). put them in hot water, bring it to a boil for 2 minutes then cover, turn off the heat and let them sit for an hour.
• 2 while the beans are soaking, place the bacon in a large pot or dutch oven and cook over medium low heat until the fat renders out and the edges are brown. add onions, celery and bell pepper - cook until translucent. add garlic and cook for 1 minute then add salt, pepper, cayenne, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, ham hock, beans and soaking water. bring beans to a boil then reduce and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours or until beans start to thicken and are tender. if you like your beans thick you can smash some of them with a potato masher or break them up with a stick blender. serve over brown rice.