Red Beans and Rice

2 cups red beans
dry
8 cups water
1 1/2 cups onion (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
4 bay leaves
3 tablespoons garlic (chopped)
parsley (optional)
2 teaspoons thyme (crushed
dried)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup red bell pepper (chopped - could also use green pepper)
2 cups cooked brown rice

Wash hands with soap and water.
Pick through beans to remove bad beans. Rinse beans thoroughly.
In a 5-quart pot, mix beans, water, onion, celery and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 to 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir and mash beans against side of pan.
Add garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, and green pepper.
Cook uncovered, over low heat, until creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
US Department of Health and Human Services