Cook the Book: New Orleans Style Red Beans

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

2 celery stalks, peeled and finely chopped

1/2 red or green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight in cold water

10 cups water

1 ham bone end, ham hock, or cured pork product of some kind (2 or 3 slices of bacon will work, too)

2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce, plus more for serving

2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf, crushed

White rice for serving

Halved grilled seared sausage

Hot sauce, for serving