Creole Red Beans and Rice (Louisiana French)

This is a favorite New Orleans lunch.

1 pound dried red kidney beans
1 (1 1/2 pound) ham hock or ham bone with generous amount of meat
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1 jalapeņo pepper, chopped

Place beans and ham hock in a large pot. Cover with water. Water should be 1/2 to 3/4 inch above beans. Heat. When beans and water are hot, add bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, seasonings and jalapeņo pepper. Cook slowly for 2 to 3 hours or until gravy is thick and beans are tender. Salt to taste.

Serve over fluffy white rice.