Red Beans and Rice

• 1 (12oz) package smoked andouille sausage, each cut in half then thinly sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cups broth 
• 2 Tbsps tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning
• 3 (14oz) cans red (or kidney) beans, drained
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• cooked rice

• Sauté sausage, onion, garlic, bell pepper and celery until veggies are tender
• Stir in broth, tomato paste, cajun seasoning, red beans, hot sauce, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil
• Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes
• Mash some of the beans to slightly thicken
• Serve over cooked rice

***