Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage and Aromatic Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) dry red kidney beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt
• black pepper
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced (e.g., andouille)
• 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning (optional)
• A few drops hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• Green onions or parsley, chopped, for garnish