The Dave Ramsey Special (Beans and Rice, of course!)

First, I have to say that I LOVE my new pressure cooker and I HIGHLY recommend getting one! Imagine cooking carrots and other veges for soup in 4 minutes! OR dry beans in 40 minutes. I have even cooked frozen-solid meat in under an hour! I love it! This recipe uses a pressure cooker, but I'm sure it can be adapted.

1 pound dry beans (I used black, but any would work)
1 large onion, diced
1 c. diced celery
1 c. chopped green pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 bay leaves (I didn't use these)
4 Tbsp parsley, chopped (forgot this, oops)
2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper*
1 tsp. ground black pepper*
3/4 C. olive oil
3 to 4 C. water
2-3 C. cooked rice

Directions:
Quick soak beans. (I will give instructions for doing this with a pressure cooker if anyone requests it). Drain, and set aside in pressure cooker.

Place the onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, bay leaves, and seasonings in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Pour the olive oil and the vegetables over the beans and let sit at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes (I forgot to do this too, oops). Add enough of the water to cover the beans (I used all four cups). Close the lid, bring to high pressure and cook for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve the hot beans over the rice. (I used brown rice, cooked in the pressure cooker--of course!)

This was so good, even with my changes and mistakes!!

*Instead of black and red pepper, I used a cajun seasoning that I have--it has both those peppers in it and other stuff besides.