a simple red beans recipe; add sausage or ham if you like. also great served over fried potatoes or brown rice.
combine beans and 3 cups of water. bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. cover and let stand for 1 hour (or, soak beans for 6-8 hours). drain and rinse.
stir in onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, red pepper, and 3 cups fresh water. boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2.5 hours or until beans are tender. uncover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until a thick gravy forms. discard bay leaf and serve over rice.
if you want to add meat to this dish, add 1/2 