Creole-Style Spicy Red Beans & Rice

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

12 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced or cubed

1 cup finely diced onion

3/4 cup finely diced celery

3/4 cup finely diced green peppers

4 cloves minced garlic

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 smoked ham hock

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 quarts chicken broth or water, plus more as needed to adjust consistency

1 pound red kidney beans, soaked overnight

about 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste

hot sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1.Place sliced Andouille sausage in Large pot.

2.Sautae Andouille sausage to release oil.

3.Add vegetables and saute until soft.

4.Add garlic.

5.Add seasonings.

6.Add pre-soaked beans.

7.Add Ham Hock.

8.Add 2 quarts of water and salt.

9.cook for 3 to 4 hours on low.

10.Serve with steamed rice.