BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED KIELBASA SAUSAGE

Steps:

• 1. Pick through dry beans, for rocks or sand pebbles & debris, then wash and add to a large pot, cover with water, cover with a tight fitting lid, and bring to a rolling boil, and boil for about 15 to 20 minutes, then lower heat to a simmer and continue to cook until beans are soft and tender, about 3 1/2 hours to 4 hours till liquid is thick and rich. Add more water as needed to keep beans covered.
• 2. As beans begin to come to a boil, chop all of the vegetables, you can also add jalapeno peppers if desired, but we do not care for spicy food in our household, so I didn't use them. I had almost 8 cups of chopped vegetables when I was done.
• 3. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot, and continue to cook over low heat.
• 4. Add all of the spices, stir and continue cooking. Stirring occasionally to prevent beans from sticking.
• 5. During the last half hour or so of cooking, cut up the smoked polish Kielbasa, and add it to the soup pot. Cover with a lid and continue to cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 6. Ladle and serve with your favorite corn Bread or Tortillas, and add your favorite garnishes. Enjoy.