New Orleans Red Beans 

1 pound dry red beans
2 quarts water
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
4 bay leaves
1 cup chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons dried thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper 

Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly. In a large
pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a
boil; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 1/2 hours
or until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pan. Add
green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook,
uncovered, over low heat until creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay
leaves. Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired. Makes 8
servings. 

Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories: 171, Total Fat: less than 1 gram, Saturated fat: less than 1
gram, Cholesterol: 0 milligrams, Sodium: 285 milligrams