In an 8- to 10-quart pressure cooker, place red beans, garlic, and water to cover. Cook beans for about 15 minutes on high heat. When it is safe to open the pressure cooker, strain beans, reserved cooking liquid.
In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add yellow onion and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in Creole seasoning, cayenne, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, paprika, and salt. Add 4 cups of reserved cooking liquid. Add sausage and stir. Add plum tomatoes and stir. Add additional cooking liquid, if needed. Stir in cilantro, green onion, and bay leaves, adding more reserved cooking liquid, if needed. Bring to a boil over high heat; add red beans, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in ketchup. Using a wooden spoon, smash beans up against side of pot. (This helps it get creamy. We usually do not do this in Trinidad, but I do it since moving to New Orleans.) Serve red beans over rice, and garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
Notes
Recipe courtesy of Lisa Nelson, Queen Trini Lisa, New Orleans
Recipe by Louisiana Cookin' at https://louisianacookin.com/red-beans-rice-2/