WHITE BEAN AND SAUSAGE STEW

Steps:

• Soak the beans overnight, covered with water; drain.
• In a heavy 6-quart Dutch oven or cast- iron pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring continuously, until it becomes dark brown (like dark chocolate), for 20 to 25 minutes. (Do not rush the process and do not not stop stirring or the roux will burn, and you will have to start over. Stay away from the phone).
• Add the onion,bell pepper, celery, salt, thyme, bay leaves, cayenne and black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
• Add the ham and sausage and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the ham and sausage begin to cook. Stir in the beans and garlic. Stir in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, stir in more broth (or water if you don't have the broth).
• Add the mushrooms. Cook for 30 minutes longer.