Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• Salt and cayenne, to taste
• 4 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 pound smoked ham hocks
• 1/2 pound boiled pickled pork meat
• 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and sorted over, soaked and drained
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 10 cups chicken stock, or water
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Steps

1. Heat oil in large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the trinity (onions, celery, and bell pepper) and saute for 5 minutes, or once the onions start to get some color.
3. Add the ham hocks, pork meat, and saute for 5 minutes. Add the bay leaves, thyme, cayenne, salt, beans, garlic, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 2 hours.
4. Remove the bay leaves and mash the beans to your desired texture.
5. Serve over white rice.