Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ green pepper, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 15-oz can red beans, drained
• 1 15-oz can tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (optional or to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 2 tsp hot sauce, plus more to serve
• Brown rice, cooked

Method

1. Saute chopped garlic and vegetables in a pan until soft, about 6-10 minutes.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until soft, about 6-10 minutes.
3. Rinse the beans well. Coarsely chop half the beans and the tomatoes, not pureed.
4. Add all ingredients (except rice) into the vegetables.
5. Stir every 5 or 10 minutes for at least 30 minutes, adding water as needed to keep beans moist but not soupy.
6. Stir well, and serve atop rice with more hot sauce on the table.