Pinto Beans & Sausage With Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

Sort and wash beans.
Soak beans overnight in water.
Add spices to beans and bring to a boil.
Using a heavyweight covered pot, simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Stir occasionally to ensure they do not burn.
During last hour add sausage.
During last 1/2 hour make white rice.
(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.).
Serve beans over hot rice.
Add cheddar cheese and green onions to top if desired.
***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.***.