Creamy New Orleans Style Red Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry red beans
• 8 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried crushed thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

1. 1 Pick through beans to remove debris; rinse thoroughly.
2. 2 In a large pot, combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
3. 3 Stir and mash some beans against the side of the pot. Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered on low for 30 minutes until creamy.
4. 4 Remove bay leaves. Serve with hot cooked brown rice if desired.