New Orleans Red Beans

This vegetarian main dish is cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free, and chock full of vegetables.

Ingredients:
1 pound dry red beans
2 quarts water
1-1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
4 bay leaves
1 cup chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.

In a large pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir.

Mash beans against side of pan.

Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat till creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

Serve with hot cooked brown rice, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 1-1/4 cup

Each serving provides:
Calories: 171
Total fat: less than 1g
Saturated fat: less than 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 285 mg