Low Sodium Southern Red Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse and soak beans over night in cold water in the pot you plan on using for cooking.The next day, drain the soaked water and fill with fresh water, just above the beans.
2. 2
   Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the salt and pepper, but including uncooked meat; stir; cover; and simmer for about 2 - 3 hours.Salt and pepper to taste once cooked.
3. 3
   Remove 1/4 to 1/3 of the beans and run it through the food processor and return to the pot. If you don't have a food processor you can smash some beans up against the side of the pot. You can mash as many as you wish. Some people like them all mashed and other like just a little to thicken the sauce.If you sauce is too thin cook it on medium high, and stir often to prevent from sticking on the bottom, until your desired consistency is reached. If the sauce is too thick add more water.If you are using a ham bone, scrape the meat from the bone into the beans and remove the bone and
4. 4
   Serve over steamed white rice or serve thicker beans as a side dish.