Big Easy Red Beans N Rice

A solid basic recipe for a leaner" red beans and rice than the traditional method."

Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover with water by 2 inches.

Let soak for 8 hours or overnight.

Drain and set aside.

In a large pan , render the ham chunks by cooking until the fat becomes liquid , remove ham and place to the side.

In the fat that remains saut the onion , garlic , celery and parsley.

In a large pot , combine the beans , water , meat , bay leaf , salt & pepper.

Bring to slow boil , lower heat to simmer and cook for about 1 1 / 2 hours , stirring occasionally until beans are tender.

Remove bay leaf and serve over rice.

red kidney beans, ham steak, onion, garlic clove, celery, parsley, bay leaf, salt & pepper, water