RED BEANS & RICE                           C.B. Original

 (Takes at least 4 hours)

 6          cups water

1          pound small red beans

4          tbsp. butter

1          cup finely chopped green onions (including 3 “ of green tops)

½         cup finely chopped onion

2          med. cloves garlic, finely chopped

2          1# ham hocks or one ham bone w/at least 1 cup meat (cut into 3 or 4 pieces)

1          tsp. salt

½         Tsp. fresh ground black pepper

6-8       cups cooked short or long grain rice

procedure:

Bring water to boil, add beans, boil uncovered for 2 minutes, turn off heat and let beans soak for 1 hour.  Drain beans after 1 hour, reserve “red”water, add additional water to “red” water if needed so you have at least 4 cups.

Melt butter w/medium heat, add ½ of the green onions, the onions & garlic.  Stir often for about 5 minutes, add beans, the ham hocks or ham bones, the 4 cups “red” water, salt & pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce temp and simmer partially covered for 3 hours.  During last half hour, mash a few beans on side of pot to thicken mixture.  Remove ham bones or hocks, cut meat off into 1/4" dice and return to beans.