BLACK BEANS, SAUSAGE AND RICE

1 lb. dry black beans
6 cups water
1 cup chopped onions
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 lb. hot Italian or Polish sausage, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked rice

Wash and sort beans. Combine beans and water in large saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.

Simmer about 1 hour.

In medium fry pan cook onions, pepper and garlic in oil until tender but not browned. Add sausage; brown on all sides.

Add sausage mixture, and seasonings to beans. Continue cooking covered, another hour or until beans are tender.

Meanwhile, cook rice in separate saucepan, following package directions.

Serve beans over rice.

Makes 6-8 servings
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: The Michigan Bean Cookbook, The Michigan Bean Commission, not dated