Delta Red Beans and Rice

            Delta Red Beans and Rice

1 pound dried red beans

6 cups water

1 ½ pounds smoked sausage, sliced

½ pound cooked ham, cubed

1 large sweet onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, pressed

2 Tbs olive oil

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp sugar

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

1/8 tsp ground red pepper

1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

¼ tsp hot sauce

Hot cooked rice

Place beans in a large Dutch oven.  Cover with water 2 inches above beans; soak 8 hours.  Drain.

Bring beans, 6 cups water, sausage, and ham to a boil in a Dutch oven.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 3 hours.

Saute onion and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet until tender.  Add to bean mixture.  Stir in green onions and next 9 ingredients.  Cover and chill 8 hours.

Bring bean mixture to a simmer; cover and cook, stirring often, 1 hour.  Serve over rice.  Yield:  8 to 10 servings.