Black Bean and Sausage Stew

By Treebs

Ingredients

• 1 lb black beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled
• 1 lg onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 sweet red pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
• Chopped cilantro, avocado, tomato and sweet red pepper for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1.) Cover beans with water and soak overnight, or follow quick-soak method on packaging.

2.) Heat oil in a large pot over med-high heat. Add sausage and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.) Stir in broth, 2 cups water, soaked beans, chili powder, oregano and cumin. Simmer, covered, 60 minutes or until beans are tender; add red pepper during last few minutes of cooking.

4.) remove about 1 cup of the mixture to a blender and puree; return to pot.

5.) Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro, avocado, tomato and sweet red pepper, if desired.