1 lb. dried red beans
1 qt. water
1 ham bone, in 4-5 inch lengths with ham on it
1/2 c. ham, cubed
2 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
3 c. cooked rice
1 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. chopped celery and leaves
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
Cayenne or hot sauce to taste
2-3 Louisiana or Polish sausages
1 tbsp. finely minced parsley
1 bay leaf in quarters
Pinch of basil

Soak beans overnight in water. Pour into large Dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients except rice. Simmer about 3 hours, adding water as needed. Remove 1 cup beans and mash to paste. Add to beans and stir until liquid is thickened. Serve hot over hot rice. 6 servings.