Wallace's New Orleans Red Beans and Rice - Vegan Style

I imagine most of my Southern friends will be scandalized that I took out the seasoned goodness of a ham hock or slab of smoked turkey, but this recipe is for vegetarians that long for ethnic foods without the meat. We visited our friend Wallace this fall, and he served us the most delicious pot of red beans I'd had in a long while. Wallace is a native of New Orleans and an excellent cook. Turns out he'd been researching ways to prepare red beans without meat, and discovered that smoked paprika lends a complex and rich flavor to the pot. He gave me a loose recipe to work with, and it does not disappoint. Wallace's Louisiana Red Beans and Rice makes a great base for a vegetarian dinner, and is tasty enough to serve meat eaters too!