Red Beans and Rice

Sort and rinse the beans. Slice the sausages into ¼ inch pieces. Combine the beans, water, ham bone with ham, sausage, onion, celery, and bay leaves in a large pot. Bring to the boil and reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Using a spoon, mash some of the beans against the side of the pan. Add the green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook uncovered over a low flame until creamy. Discard the bay leaves. Serve hot with rice.