Red Beans & Rice

1 lb. dried red beans 3 1/2 C water or chicken stock 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 C celery, chopped 2 bay leaves 1 large onion, diced 1/4 cup oil 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced 3 T fresh parsley, chopped salt, pepper and hot sauce (preferably Tabasco) to taste 2 C steamed rice

Serves 6-8 Wash, sort and soak beans overnight, as per package instructions. Drain beans and place in a Dutch Oven with 3 cups cold water. Add garlic, celery, onion, bay leaves and oil and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours, adding water as needed and stirring occasionally. Add sausage and parsley and continue cooking for about an hour. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste during the entire process. Serve over steamed rice.