Healthy Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 2 quarts hot water
• 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, cut into chunks
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

Put red beans in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Soak 8 hours to overnight.

Drain and rinse beans. Pour hot water into the pot. Add beans, sausage, onions, bell pepper, celery, cayenne pepper, salt, and bay leaf to the pot; stir. Place pot over medium heat, put a cover on the pot, and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking at a simmer until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving.