Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice
Recipe By : Louise
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Beans, Rice, Side Dish
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1 pound red or pinto beans -- dried
1/2 pound salt pork
1 whole onion -- chopped
2 cloves garlic -- chopped
1/4 cup celery -- chopped
1 quart ham, pork, chicken or beef stock
1 teaspoon salt
1 whole bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon thyme
3 cups rice
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1. Soak beans in water overnight. Drain.
2. In a Dutch oven, brown salt pork. Add onions, garlic, and celery and saute for 3 minutes. Add beans, stock, salt, and herbs.
3. Simmer 3 hours or until beans are tender. Add water when necessary during cooking; water should barely cover beans at end of cooking.
4. Remove 1 cup beans and mash to paste. Add mashed bean paste back to beans; stir until liquid is thickened. Pour over hot rice, stir and serve.