Creole Red Beans and Rice

1 lb. dried red beans

2 lge onions, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. basil

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

2 lbs. smoked sausage

Hot cooked rice

Sort and wash beans. Combine red beans, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, thyme, basil and red pepper in a Dutch oven; cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce flame; cover and simmer 2 to 3-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and a thick gravy is formed. Add more water, if necessary. Stir in salt, pepper and parsley. Cook sausage according to package directions; cut into serving pieces. Serve beans and sausage over rice.

Serves 8