Cajun Red Beans with Rice

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1/2 pound dry pinto, kidney or pink beans
 * 1 quart water
 * 1/4 pound salt pork, diced
 * 1 cup chopped onion
 * 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
 * 1 clove garlic, crushed
 * 1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves, crushed
 * 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves, crushed
 * 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
 * 1/2 pound well-seasoned pork sausage meat, crumbled
 * 1/2 cup sliced green onions
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
Sort and wash beans. Combine beans, water and pork in large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 1 hour.

Return to heat; simmer 45 minutes. Add onion, green pepper, garlic, oregano, thyme and tomato sauce. Continue simmering, covered, 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in sausage and green onions; replace cover and cook 30 minutes longer or until beans and sausage are tender. Add boiling water if beans become dry while cooking. Serve beans with mounds of fluffy rice.