New Orleans Red Beans

1 lb. dry red beans

2 qt. water

1-1/2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

4 bay leaves

1 cup chopped green pepper

3 Tbsp. chopped garlic

3 Tbsp. chopped parsley

2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1.  Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.

2.  In a large pot, combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pan.

3.  Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat till creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

4.  Serve with hot, cooked brown rice, if desired.

Calories – 171

Total fat – Less than 1 gram

Saturated fat – Less than 1 gram

Sodium – 285 mg