• 1 lb. dry red kidney beans
• 1/2 lb. ham, ham hock, or seasoning meat
• 8-10 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 toe garlic, chopped
• 2 Tbs. celery, chopped (can substitute fennel)
• 2 Tbs. parsley, chopped
• 1 or 2 large bay leaves
• salt to taste

1. Rinse and sort beans. In a large saucepan, add beans with water and begin cooking on low heat.
2. In a separate skillet, brown meat and set aside, reserving fat drippings.
3. In drippings, saute onion, garlic, parsley and celery.
4. Add meat, vegetables, and bay leaf to beans. Add salt, pepper, and Cajun seasonings to taste.
5. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender. Add water while cooking if necessary.

Serves 6-8

notes