# What You Need:
→ Beans & Protein
01 - 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
02 - 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
03 - 1 ham hock or 4 ounces diced smoked ham (optional)
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water
→ Seasonings
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Rice
17 - 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
→ Garnishes (optional)
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Fresh parsley
20 - Hot sauce
# Directions:
01 - Drain and rinse the soaked red kidney beans. Set aside.
02 - Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and ham if using, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Return sausage and ham or ham hock to the pot. Add beans, chicken or vegetable broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and partially cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy. Add water if necessary.
06 - Remove ham hock if used. Shred any meat and return it to the pot. Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve hot over cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and hot sauce if desired.
