Pinto Beans & Sausage With Rice

• 1 lb pinto beans
• 2 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced 1/2-inch thick

1. Sort and wash beans.
2. Soak beans overnight in water.
3. Add spices to beans and bring to a boil.
4. Using a heavyweight covered pot, simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
5. Stir occasionally to ensure they do not burn.
6. During last hour add sausage.
7. During last 1/2 hour make white rice.
8. (For this recipe I boil 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt. Once water is rolling add 2 cups white rice. Bring to another boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook on stovetop for 30-35 minutes. Do not uncover pot to stir until cooking time is completed.).
9. Serve beans over hot rice.
10. Add cheddar cheese and green onions to top if desired.
11. ***Note to make these beans thicker, when sausage is added, remove 3/4 cups of the beans from pot and mash. Return mashed beans to pot.***.

pinto beans, water, onion powder, salt, thyme, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, sausage

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pinto-beans-sausage-with-rice-244854 (may not work)