Treebeard’s Red Beans & Rice

1 lb red kidney beans
1.5 qts water
2 medium onions, chopped
2 ribs celery with leaves, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
1 ham bone or bacon drippings
1 lb or more large smoked sausage link
seasoning ingredients (optional according to
original recipe):  salt, fresh ground pepper,
fresh garlic, cayenne pepper, bay leaves,
thyme and/or oregano
Soak beans overnight.
Add onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic and ham/bacon drippings.
Bring to a boil, then simmer 2 hours until beans are soft.
Add sausage and desired seasonings during last 30 minutes.
Serve with hot fluffy rice and a green salad.
If desired, garnish with grated sharp cheddar cheese, serve with
jalepeno cornbread or French bread (as at Treebeard’s).
Serves 6.
MP Notes:  Most folks would argue that Treebeard’s (a cajun
restaurant in downtown Houston) has the best red beans & rice.
It is a tradition.  So, this recipe is too good to lose.  It appeared in
the Houston Chronicle, September 10, 1986.

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