POPEYES RED BEANS & RICE


3 cans (15-5-oz.) red beans
1-1/4 cup water
½ lb. smoked ham shanks
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
¼ cup lard
1 garlic clove finely chopped
½ tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
1-tsp. black pepper1/2 tsp. ground sage
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. ground red pepper
salt, to taste
5 cups cooked rice


1. Pour 2 cans of beans with their liquid, water and ham in to a pot.

2. Add all remaining ingredients to beans, except rice and extra can of beans. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. Reduce heat to medium LOW, cover, and simmer for about an hour.

4. Remove ham bones, if any, and bay leaf.

5. Put the bean mixture in a food processor, or blender. Drain the liquid from the last can of beans and place remaining beans in food blender. Process for two or three seconds.

6. Pour beans mixture back into pot and simmer on LOW for an additional fifteen minutes.

7. Serve over cooked white rice.