1 lb. dried red beans
1 onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. black pepper
1 bay leaf
Wash beans under cold running water. Place in heavy 5-qt. pot. Cover with water and soak beans overnight (OR bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and boil 2 min. then turn off heat and let sit 1 hour.) Do not drain off water.
Add onion and celery to beans. With spoon, gently push veggies below waterline. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1-1/2 hours.
Sprinkle seasonings on top of beans. Very gently stir into beans. Do not stir more than necessary or you will get mushy beans. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until beans are completely soft.
Serve over hot rice and top with grated cheese if desired. You can also add in 1 lb. of approved link sausage (cut into 1/2 inch slices) when you put in the spices. We like to eat greens with our beans and rice too. :)