Red Beans and Rice

INGREDIENTS
1 pound dried red kidney beans
1/2 pound andouille smoked chicken sausage, thinly sliced (I used turkey sausage)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Creole (Cajun) seasoning
3 cups uncooked long-grain rice

DIRECTIONS
Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water 2 inches above beans. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute; cover, remove from heat, and soak 1 hour. Drain. Sauté sausage and next 3 ingredients in Dutch oven over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until sausage is browned. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add beans, Creole seasoning, and 7 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions. Serve with red bean mixture. Garnish, if desired.