Creole Cooked Red Beans

Ingredients:


2 cups dried red beans

2 quarts water

1 large onion, diced

1 green pepper, cored, seeded, diced

1/2 pound pickled meat or ham shank

3 tablespoons shortening

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Soak beans overnight in a large pot or bowl in enough water to cover by 2 inches. Drain. (You can skip the soaking, if you like. The beans will need to cook about 30 minutes longer.)

2. Pour the beans into a large pot along with the 2 quarts water; add remaining ingredients, except the salt, pepper and parsley. Heat to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, with the lid slightly askew, until beans are soft and soupy, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. With 10 minutes of cooking time remaining, add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste. Just before ready to serve, add parsley; taste for seasonings.

Chicago Tribune