Red Beans and Rice

We love spicy food and this is a quick and easy good one.  I use ham or bacon or sausage or whatever is handy.  Wild game burger works good in this too.  If you forget to remove the bay leaves - just tell whoever finds it that it's their turn to do the dishes!

• 2 15-oz cans red kidney beans, drained
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 qt water
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 med onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 3 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
• 6 cups of cooked rice

In a large Dutch oven or kettle, brown bacon and onions.  Add all other ingredients except parsley and rice.  Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered for 20 minutes.  Just before serving, remove bay leaves and stir in parsley.  Serve 1 cup beans over 3/4 cup rice.  Garnish with cheese if desired.

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