Red Beans and Rice Pilaf

Red Beans and Rice Pilaf 1/2 pound red beans, picked over, rinsed, and soaked. 1 chopped onion 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 rib of celery, chopped a few pinches of ground red pepper 1 tsp. liquid smoke 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp oregano 4 cups of water combine the above ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, making sure the beans are covered with water at all times. drain, remove the bay leaf, and set aside. in a large saucepan, heat a few Tbs of oil over medium heat and add: 1 chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 2 chopped mushrooms and about a cup or so of diced cooked ham. when the onions are transparent, add: 1 minced clove of garlic and cook for a minute. stir in one cup of dry white rice and stir for a minute or so, until all the grains are coated with oil. stir in: 2 cups of water or stock 1 tsp of salt 1/2 tsp each of dried oregano and thyme pepper to taste bring to a boil, reduce the heat about as low as you can get it, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. when the rice is cooked, stir in the beans.