THREE BEAN STEW

Recipe submitted by Juanita Smith

Makes 6 servings

1(8 oz) pkg. dry navy beans
2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup dry baby lima beans
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup dry red kidney beans
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 Tbsp. salad oil
6 cups water
1 medium green pepper, cut up
1 (15 oz) fresh or canned tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb. smoked Polish sausage cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
1 1/2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar

Note: If desired, cook sausage and drain before adding to stew. Reconstituted dry onions may be used in place of fresh onion.  May substitute other meats for the sausage.  May add bulgur and 1 cup water for added fiber.

Use quick-soaking method to prepare beans; drain water. In heavy pan, heat salad oil over medium heat. Add green peppers, onions, and garlic.

Cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Add beans. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cloves. and water. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about one hour or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.  Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, tomato paste, and Polish sausage chunks. Stir to mix well. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.