Pick beans over and rinse well. Place beans in a heavy pot and cover with 2 inches of water.
Bring water to a boil and cook beans for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Stir in celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Continue cooking until beans are tender.
Stir occasionally. Keep beans covered with water, adding hot water as needed.
When beans are cooked (timing depends on type and age of beans; 1 hour is average), season with Tabasco and salt. Discard Bay leaves. To serve, spoon 1/2 cup rice in center of plate.
Ladle beans and sauce over rice. 4 Servings
Note: Beans are even better a day or two after they're cooked; keep refrigerated and reheat over a low flame.