2 lbs. dried, red beans
1/2 c. green onion tops
1 1/2 tbsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. allspice
2 bay leaves, broken into fourths
1 to 1 1/2 lbs. smoked sausage
2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
1 tbsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper pods
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. basil
Boiled rice

Soak beans in cold water overnight. Drain. Add enough fresh water to cover beans in a large pot or kettle. Add all ingredients EXCEPT sausage and rice. Bring to boil over high heat, then lower heat and simmer for 3 hours or more. This can be done in a slow cooker and simmered all day. Add water if appears too dry. Stir occasionally. Cut and brown 1/2 inch slices of sausage. Add about 1/2 hour before serving.

In separate pot, boil rice (allow 2/3 cup per person). Once rice is ready, ladle red beans with meat and gravy over the rice on each plate. Serve with French bread. Even kids love it!