Creamy Louisiana Red Beans
["1 lb. dried red kidney beans", "4 Tbsp. fat or drippings", "1 large onion, minced", "5 or 6 c. water", "1 clove garlic, minced", "2 bay leaves", "2 sprigs thyme", "red pepper seeds (from pod) or few drops hot pepper sauce", "salt to taste", "1 ham hock"]
["Wash and pick over red beans, then soak overnight or 6 to 8 hours in enough water to cover.", "Then drain beans and place in a large pot or pressure cooker.", "Melt fat or drippings in skillet. Add minced onion and saut until golden brown.", "Add to red beans along with 5 cups water, seasonings and ham hock.", "We always add the salt after beans have cooked for a while, tasting to see how much the ham bone has salted it before putting in any additional salt.", "Cover and cook slowly for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until tender and creamy."]
["dried red kidney beans", "drippings", "onion", "water", "clove garlic", "bay leaves", "thyme", "red pepper", "salt", "ham hock"]