Spicy Red Beans and Rice

These beans smell so good when they are cooking and the results are a tasty, New Orleans style red beans and rice. I have tried several recipes but this one is easier than the others I've tried with an excellent result. Serve with cornbread or corn muffins and your meal is complete. Recipe is from Taste of Home magazine.

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb dried red kidney beans
• 2  teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 2  bay leaves
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  quart water
• 1  large smoked ham hock
• 2 -3  teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped celery
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped onions
• 2  fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  hot pepper sauce
• 3  tablespoons  minced fresh parsley
•  hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Sort and rinse beans.
2. In a large Dutch oven or kettle, place all ingredients except parsley and rice.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered for 3-4 hours or until beans are tender.
4. Stir occasionally, adding water as needed to make a thick gravy.
5. Just before serving remove bay leaves and stir in parsley.
6. Serve over rice.