1 lb (2 cups) dried pinto beans<BR>4 cups uncooked rice (Medium or Long Brown) <BR>1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery <BR>1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions <BR>1 1/2 cups finely chopped green pepper <BR>5 bay leaves <BR>1 teaspoon white pepper <BR>3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br><br>1/2 teaspoon black pepper <BR>1 teaspoon tabasco sauce, optional (according to taste) <BR>2 teaspoons thyme <BR>1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder <BR>1 1/2 teaspoons oregano <BR>1 1/2 teaspoons paprika <BR>6 oz tomato paste
Cover beans with water and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking. Combine beans with 5 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add another 4 cups water and add celery, onion, bell pepper, bay leaves, and remaining ingredients. Cook until beans are tender and begin breaking up. Cook rice.<br><br>Mound 3/4 cup rice on plate and spoon generous serving of beans over the rice.<br><br>