Pick through 3/4 pounds red beans and wash well. Add 4 1/2 cups water to beans and bay leaf; bring to a boil for 1 minute; turn off heat. Let stand 1 hour. Add 1 pound smoked ham or sausage (meat is optional). Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beans are tender.

Then add 1 chopped bell pepper, 1/4 cup oil, 3/4 cup chopped onion, 3/4 cup chopped celery, and 1 to 2 cups tomatoes. Add red pepper and garlic to taste. Gumbo file, if available, makes recipe more authentic. Continue to cook for 1 hour and serve over cooked rice.