Bayou Red Beans & Rice Casserole

Prep time : ... 25 minutes plus beans soaking time ... Cooking time : ...2 -1/2 hours

2 ........................cups dreid red kidney beans , sorted and rinsed

1 ........................tablespoon vegetable oil

8 ........................ounces chorizo , sliced or hot Italian sausage , removed from casing and crumbled

1 ........................large sweet green pepper , cored , seeded and chopped

1/2 .....................cup chopped celery

2 ........................cloves garlic , minced

8 ........................ounces smoked ham , diced

4 ........................cups Browned Beef Stock canned broth or water

2 ........................whole bay leaves

1/2 .....................teaspoon dried thyme , crumbled

1/2 .....................teaspoon dried marjoram , crumbled

1/8 to 1/4 ...........teaspoon cayenne

2 ........................cups cooked long-grain riced

1 ---------------------tablespoon vinegar

1/2 .....................teaspoon salt or to taste

1) Soak beans overnight in water to cover . Drain beans (if cooking beans in water instead of broth , reserve soaking liquid and add water to total 1 quart liquid) ; set aside .

2) In a 6-quart Dutch oven over moderate heat ... heat oil 1 minute . Add chorizo and saute until brown ... about 5 minutes ; transfer to paper toweling to drain . Drain all but 2 tablespoons of pan drippings . Add onion , green pepper , celery and garlic and saute until soft ... about 5 minutes . Add reserved beans , ham , stock , bay leaves , thyme , marjoram and cayenne . Bring to a boil over high heat . Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer , covered until beans are tender ... about 1 -1/2 hours . Remove and discard bay leaves . Preheat oven to 350*F.

3) Drain beans , reserving 1 cup liquid . Put beans and liquid into a lightly greased 3-quart casserole ; stir in chorizo , rice , vinegar and salt to taste .

4) Bake , covered , until hot , about 40 minutes . Serve with hot pepper sauce and cornbread .

Makes 6 servings .

Heart healthy .