Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry small red beans
• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs meaty ham shanks
• 4 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons of Cajun or Creole seasoning ( Tony Chachere's or Zatarains ) or to taste*
• Tabasco sauce **
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice (from about 3 cups raw rice)