Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package dried red beans
• 10 cup water
• 1 ham bone*
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced
• Hot cooked rice

Preparation

1. Bring first 10 ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain. Add to bean mixture; simmer 30 minutes or until beans are tender. Serve over hot cooked rice.
3. * 1/2 pound smoked ham hocks may be substituted.