Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

Melissa LeRay's Note:

this is modified from "the gourmet slow cooker" by Lynn Alley. Fabulous recipe and wanted to share because I know how hard it is to find good slow cooker recipes.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 8 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 cups dried red beans
• 7 cups water
• 2 slices bacon, chopped or 1 -2 smoked pork chops
• 3 celery ribs , finely chopped
• 1 yellow onion , finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper , finely chopped 2 bay leaves
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 3 oregano sprigs
• 1 tablespoon garlic , chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
• 1 lb andouille sausage
• 6 cups cooked white rice

Directions:

1. Rinse and sort through beans. Soak overnight in water to cover. Put beans in crock pot then cover with water.
2. Add all remaining ingredients (except rice) to slow cooker and cook 6-8 hours until beans are very tender and pork chop is falling apart.
3. Remove and discard the pork chop bone and break up any large chunks of meat (if not using bacon). Remove and discard bay leaves, oregano and thyme.
4. Divide rice among shallow bowls, spoon beans and rice over rice and serve immediately. Enjoy!