Vegetarian Louisiana-Style Red Beans and Rice

Directions:

1. Rinse and sort beans. (Optional: Soak beans using your preferred method.)
2. Put the beans in a pot and cover them with vegetable broth. Set heat to high.
3. In another pot or skillet, sauté the garlic, onion, celery, and bell pepper in olive oil until tender.
4. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and remaining ingredients, except salt and rice, to the beans.
5. When the beans reach a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 2 ½  hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Add water to beans as needed.
6.  When the beans are completely tender, add salt to taste. Remove bay leaves.
7. For a creamier texture, process half the beans in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add processed mixture back to pot.
8. Salt to taste and serve over cooked rice.