Ingredients

• 1 cup red beans
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 large onion,chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces boneless smoked pork chops, well trimmed, diced
• 4 ounces andouille sausage,* diced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups water
• Steamed rice
• *A smoked pork and beef sausage, available at specialty food stores. Smoked bratwurst, kielbasa or smoked Hungarian sausage can be substituted.

Instructions

1. Soak beans in water to cover overnight.
2. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in pork chops, sausage, thyme and cayenne; sauté 2 minutes. Add beans and 3 1/2 cups water. Simmer over low heat until beans are creamy, about 1 1/2 hours. Serve with steamed rice.