LEFTOVER HAM RED BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• Place the beans in a large bowl or pot add wine and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
• In a large pot, heat the bacon grease over medium-high heat.
• Add the onions, celery and bell peppers to the grease in the pot. Season with the Essence and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes.
• Add the bay leaves, parsley, thyme, sausage, and ham, and cook, stirring, to brown the sausage and ham, about 4 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the beans and stock and/or water, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and starting to thicken, about 2 hours. (Should the beans become too thick and dry, add more water, about 1/4 cup at a time.)
• Remove from the heat and with the back of a heavy spoon, mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot. Or remove 3-4 cups of beans and puree in blender or with immersion blender, return to pot. Continue to cook until the beans are tender and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaves.
• Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.