I want me some red beans and rice!

Ingredients

1 pound dry red kidney beans
1 chopped bell pepper
1 chopped large onion
5 ribs celery, chopped
1 2 bay leaves
1 large smoked ham for seasoning
5 6 cloves
1/2 to 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
Garlic, as much you like
Crystal hot sauce to taste
Red pepper and black pepper to taste
Salt to taste

Method:

• Firstly, soak the beans overnight and then the next day, drain out the water and put some fresh water.
• Now bring the beans to boil and make sure that the beans are always covered with water otherwise they will discolor and get hard.
• Boil the beans for 45-60 minutes until they do not fall apart.
• Cook the onions, celery and the bell pepper until the onions turn golden brown. Now add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stir occasionally.
• When the beans are boiled and drained, add the cooked vegetables to it.
• Now add the smoked ham and just enough water to cover.
• Bring to boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Now cook the beans for at least 2 hours until it becomes creamy.
• Adjust the seasonings as you go along and stir occasionally so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Serve the beans hot along with rice.