Authentic Louisiana Red Beans & Rice

My friend, Callie passed this recipe on to us. It was great! I am finally old enough to like eating beans. I am sure my mom will be shocked when she reads this! Sorry for all the complaining I did as kid Mom.

Ingredients                               
 1 pound dry kidney beans                                 
1/4 cup olive oil                                 
1 large onion, chopped                                 
1 green bell pepper, chopped                                 
2 tablespoons minced garlic                                 
2 stalks celery, chopped                                 
6 cups water             
2 bay leaves                                 
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper                                 
1 teaspoon dried thyme                                 
1/4 teaspoon dried sage                                 
1 tablespoon dried parsley                                 
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning                                 
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced

                               
4 cups water                
2 cups long grain white rice 

Directions

1.  Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

2.  In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.

3.  Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

4.  Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. OR use a rice cooker.

 Serve beans over steamed white rice.