Vegan Red Beans and Rice

1 pound Camellia Brand Red Kidney Beans, rinsed, sorted and soaked

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups celery, diced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

3 garlic cloves, diced

10 cups water

4 bay leaves

2 tsp dried thyme

3 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp liquid smoke\

1 tsp Cajun seasoning 

2 tsp salt

2 cups cooked, white or brown rice 

Heat olive oil in a heavy bottomed pot. Add the celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté for a couple of minutes.  Add the bean sand cover with by 10 cups of water.

Bring to a boil, then add bay leaves and thyme. Reduce to medium low heat to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring frequently to make beans creamy. Mash some up against the side of the pot for added creaminess. When the beans have finished cooking stir in smoked paprika, liquid smoke, Cajun seasoning and salt to taste. Serve over rice,