Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Ingredients:

1 lb. dried red or pinto beans
1 Tbs. oil
1 C. onion, chopped
1/2 C. green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbs. garlic, minced
1 (13 oz.) pkg. turkey sausage, sliced
1 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 bay leaves
2 qt. chicken stock
white rice, cooked

Directions:

1.Soak the beans according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2.Put the oil in a large pot and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the pepper is tender. Add the garlic and sausage and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the beans, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and bay leaves. Pour in the chicken stock and cook until it is boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

3.Uncover, increase the heat and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the rice before serving.