Step 1

Rinse the beans. Put them in a bowl of water and soak for 6-8 hours.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper and celery.

Step 3

Cook for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4

Place the beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, parsley, Cajun seasoning and ham hock (or ham bone) in the pot. If you're using diced ham instead of a ham hock or bone, reserve it for later on.

Step 5

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until beans are tender.

Step 6

Remove the ham hock from the pot. Cut the meat off the bone then coarsely chop. Discard the bone.

Step 7

Add the diced ham and sausage to the beans. Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until sausage is heated through. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve the beans over the rice, topped with fresh herbs.