Red Beans and Rice (slow cooker)

Ingredients

8 strips of bacon

1 medium white onion, minced

3 celery stalks plus leaves, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

2 Tablespoons chili powder OR chili seasoning mix

2 Tablespoons brown sugar OR 2 teaspoons molasses

3/4 tsp. pepper

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

2 (15.5 oz.) cans red beans or kidney beans and liquid

2 lbs. of sausage cut into 1 inch pieces (I used two 14 oz. packages of smoked sausage)

Cooked rice, about 6 cups

Hot sauce, if desired

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a large frying pan, drain on paper towels and set aside. Crumble when cooled.

2. Saute onion, celery (without leaves) and garlic in bacon fat until soft.

3. Stir in celery leaves, crumbled bacon and all other ingredients.

4. Pour into slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

5. Serve over rice. Add a dash or two or a few of hot sauce if you like. Enjoy!

Serves 4-6

Source: Mom