Red Beans and Rice

my family loves this

• Ready In: 1 hr 1 min
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dried red beans
• 2 1⁄2 cups  chopped celery
• 2  cups  diced onions
• 1  cup  sliced green onion
• 1  cup  chopped green pepper
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups  diced cooked lean ham
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon  red pepper
• 1  teaspoon  dried Italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1  teaspoon  hot sauce
• 2  bay leaves
• 2  quarts water

Directions

1. Sort and wash beans; place in a large dutch oven.
2. Cover with water 2 inches above beans.
3. Let soak 8 hours.
4. Drain well.
5. Coat a dutch oven with cooking spray.
6. Place over medium-high heat until hot.
7. Add celery, green pepper and garlic.
8. Saute until tender.
9. Add beans, ham and remaining ingredients; except rice.
10. Cook uncovered, over medium heat for 1 hour.
11. Remove bay leaves.
12. Serve bean mixture over rice.
13. 9 servings - 1 cup beans and 1/2 cup rice.
14. I have had good luck with this adding pepperoni along with the ham.