Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried red kidney beans
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain before cooking.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the soaked beans, water or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, cayenne if using, and bay leaves. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the broth thickens.
6. Remove the bay leaves. Mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken if desired.