Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• Red Beans

• 1 lb Dry Red Kidney Beans

  Camellia brand if available
• 1 lb Andouille Sausage
• 1 lb Tasso

  or extra thick bacon, or smoked ham (not cold cuts)
• 1 to 2 tbsp Bacon Grease

  or oil if bacon grease is not available
• 1 Onions

  large, diced
• 1 Green Bell Peppers

  diced
• 2 stalks Celery

  diced
• 2 tbsp Garlic

  minced
• 4 to 5 Bay Leaves

  4 large or 5 smaller leaves
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1/4 tsp Oregano
• 1 tbsp Parsley
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning

  "Slap Ya Mama - Hot" brand if available
• 4 cups Chicken Stock
• 2 cups Water

  taken from soaking beans

• Rice

• 2 cups Long Grain Rice
• 4 cups Water

  for rice
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Butter

  optional