New Orleans Red Beans

1 lb dry red beans
2 qt water
11/2 C onion, chopped
1 C celery, chopped
4 bay leaves
1 C green peppers, chopped
3 Tbsp garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp parsley, chopped
2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper


1. Pick through beans to remove bad ones. Rinse beans rinse thoroughly.
2. In large pot, combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pan.
3. Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook uncovered over low heat until creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
4. Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 1/4 cup
Each serving provides:
Calories: 171
Total fat: less than 1 g
Saturated fat: less than 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 285 mg
Total fiber: 7 g
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Potassium: 665 mg