1 1/2 lbs. smoked sausage
1 lb. dry red kidney beans
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lg. onion, chopped
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
8 c. water

Cook oil and onion in a large pot until onion is soft. Pour water and rinsed beans into pot and cook over low heat, covered, about 1 hour, or until beans begin to get soft. Remove 2 or 3 tablespoons of beans and mash, then return to pot and stir. Continue cooking until bean gravy becomes thick.

Cut sausage into 1 1/2 inch pieces and add to beans. Continue to cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp. salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice. Leftover ham may be substituted for sausage, but it must be cooked along with beans.

Caution: Any "Cajun" will tell you that once you start eating this dish, it is very difficult to quit!