6 c. water
1 lb. dried red kidney beans
4 tbsp. butter
1 c. finely chopped scallions
1/2 c. finely chopped onions
1 rib celery, chopped
Ham bone with generous amount of ham or 2 (1 lb.) pepperoni, sliced, or hot smoked sausage
1 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Dash red pepper
Optional cumin to taste

Drop beans in boiling water and boil briskly for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let beans soak for 1 hour. Melt butter in heavy casserole and cook scallions, onion, celery, and garlic until soft but not brown. Stir in beans and liquid, the ham bone, hocks, or pepperoni, and the seasonings.

Bring to boil, then reduce and simmer partially covered for 3 hours until beans are very soft. If the beans seem dry, add more hot water a few tablespoons at a time. Stir frequently. Remove ham bones; cut meat from the bone and return meat to beans. Remove bay leaf. Serve with steaming rice. Nice with chopped scallions sprinkled over the top. Serves 4-6.