Black Bean Soup With Sausage - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (12 oz. or larger) bag black beans, soaked overnight
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. hot pepper flakes or according to taste
1 onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg. smoked beef/turkey sausage

Preparation

In 5-quart pan, bring beans to boil in 7 to 8 cups water. While heating, finely chop and add all other ingredients.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are soft (add water if needed during cooking).
Stir, pressing spoon against side of pan to mash beans slightly.
Add garlic, cumin, oregano and hot pepper; cook another 20 minutes.
Cut sausage into 1/2-inch slices and add to beans; continue cooking just until sausage is heated through.
Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped onion, fresh chopped cilantro and/or sour cream.