This hearty recipe is a great comfort dish!

Black Beans & Sausage Stew

Ingredients

2 pounds smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
3 — 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
1-1/2 cups chopped green pepper
1 cup water
1 — 8 oz. can tomato sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
Hot cooked rice

Directions

~In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker.

~Stir in remaining ingredients except rice. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender, six to eight hours. Discard bay leaves.

~Serve with rice.

~Makes 10 servings.