Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound boiled or baked ham cut, into 1/2-inch cubes
• 6 ounces smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed, soaked overnight and drained
• 3 tablespoons garlic, chopped
• 8 to 10 cups water
• Cooked white rice