Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

dried, Camellia brand red kidney beans

slices of bacon

2 cups

chopped onion

1 cup

chopped bell pepper

1/2 cup

chopped celery

2 cloves

garlic

Freshly cracked black pepper

1 tsp

dried basil

large bay leaf

1/2 tbsp

olive oil, vegetable or canola oil

1/2 lb

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meaty ham bone or 2 ham hocks

7 cups

hot water

Kosher salt to taste, if needed

Cayenne pepper , to taste, optional

Hot, cooked rice

Sliced green onion , for garnish, optional

Cajun seasoning and hot sauce , for the table