Cajun Red Beans & Rice

Great Red Beans and Rice recipe. A friend of mine gave me this recipe several years ago and I am posting here for safe keeping. I realize this is a very Southern dish and I hope ingredients are available ....I have used a different type of bean when I couldn't find the traditional red beans. Of course hot sauce is necessary in this recipe! I serve it on the side. Preperation time does not include the beans that soak overnight.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 15-20
• Yields: 1 Gallon

Ingredients

• 1  lb  red beans, dried (soak over night in water)
• 2  tablespoons shortening
• 1  quart water
• 3  cups onions, chopped
• 1  bunch green onion, chopped
• 2  pods garlic, chopped (approx. 20 cloves)
• 1  cup green pepper
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8  ounces tomato sauce
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
• 1  lb kielbasa, cut into pieces (I use Ekerich smokey links)
• 2  cups rice (cooked according to directions on package)
• 1 (4 ounce) bottle  hot sauce

Directions

1. Drain red beans, rinse and in a large soup pot combine the beans, and water. Bring to a boil and cook 45 minutes. Add all vegetables, shortening, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook 1 hour, covered. Stir occasionally.
2. Add sausage and cook 45 minutes, or until the beans are cooked.
3. Serve with a few tablespoons of rice on top and (optional) dashes of "Louisania Hot Sauce".