Garnish with chopped green onions and red and yellow peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 4 ounces diced lean ham
• 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned red beans
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
• 4 to 6 cups freshly cooked rice
• Optional Garnish: chopped green onions and red and yellow peppers

Preparation: Sauté onion in oil until tender. Add water, ham, beans, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Mash about ½ cup of beans and return to mixture; Mix well. Serve over cooked rice.