Meatless Red Beans and Rice

1 1/8 cups dry red beans or dry red kidney beans (1/2 lb.)
3 cups water
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fennel seed, crushed
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
3 cups water
2 cups hot cooked rice
Rinse beans. In a large saucepan combine beans and the 3 cups water.
Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from
heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. (Or, soak by placing beans and the
3 cups water in a bowl. Cover and set in a cool place for 6 to 8
hours or overnight.)

Drain beans in a colander and rinse. Return beans to the saucepan.
Stir in onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, fennel seed, red pepper, and 3
cups fresh water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer
about 2 1/2 hours or till beans are tender, adding more water, if
necessary, and stirring occasionally.

Uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes more
or till a thick gravy forms. Discard bay leaf. Serve over rice.