Creole Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 4 stalks celery chopped
• 2 tablespoons creole seasoning 
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1  bell pepper green chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground pepper black
• 1 pound kidney beans dry red
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 1  onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons salt 
• 16 ounce sausage smoked cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups water 
• 1 cup rice white uncooked

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• pot

Directions

1. Pick over kidney beans, place into a large bowl, and pour in enough water to cover by several inches. Soak kidney beans overnight.
2. Drain kidney beans, transfer to a large soup pot, and cover with 3 quarts fresh water.
3. Stir in green bell pepper, onion, celery, salt, black pepper, Creole seasoning, and garlic.
4. Cover the pot, place over medium heat, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer until beans are tender, about 4 hours.
6. Mix smoked sausage into the beans; cook an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. About 30 minutes before serving time, place 2 cups water and margarine into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
8. Stir in rice, return to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and allow to stand covered for 5 minutes.
10. Serve red beans over cooked rice.