White Beans & Rice

Directions

1. 1
   Wash beans & add to stew pot, boil for 30-45 minutes.
2. 2
   Brown ham in 1 tsp of oil until just brown.
3. 3
   Remove ham & add 1 tsp of oil, onion, celery, bell pepper & garlic, cook until soft. (If sticky, just add a LITTLE water.).
4. 4
   Add ham back to skillet and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
5. 5
   Add skillet mixture to beans & season with salt, cayenne pepper, & bay leaves. (You can use more or less of any of the seasonings to suit your taste. Taste the liquid to make sure that it agrees to your tastes.).
6. 6
   Cook in stewpot until beans are soft. (4-6 hours).
7. 7
   Remove 1 1/2 cups of beans & mash. Add mashed beans back to mixture.
8. 8
   Serve beans over rice.