Black Beans and Rice

From the kitchen of Martin James – Copenhagen, Denmark

1 1/2 pounds dried black turtle beans
1 large bell pepper, diced
1 hot pepper (optional)
Tabasco (optional)
4 onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons oregano, chopped
2 tablespoons basil, chopped
2 bay leaves
Pinch of ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 pound lean bulk pork sausage
1 pound pork, boneless, cubed
1 pound stew beef chunks
1/2 pound ham, smoked (1/2-inch cubes)
1 1/2 pounds smoked link sausage cut into 1" to 2" lengths
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vinegar

Beans: Wash and look for gravel then soak overnight in a bowl being sure beans are well covered with water. For cooking use a large crock pot.

Meats: First, brown bulk sausage in a skillet and pour off excess grease. Add other meats and stir to brown. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, celery, and spices. Salt and pepper moderately, taste after cooking several hours and add more if needed.

Add beans and soak water. If necessary add more water to cover entire ingredients by at least two inches. Stir in four bouillon cubes. Cover and cook on crock pot HIGH for three hours then turn to low for at least six hours.

If you enjoy hot and spicy foods add the hot pepper (jalapeno, habanero or whatever you like) and Tabasco. If you don't like it hot, then leave them out or serve the Tabasco at the table.

Serve beans and meat over rice. I have found brown rice to be quite tasty, but white rice is fine too.

Serve in a soup bowl and top with fresh chopped onion.