Bean Soup with Smoked Sausage

Instructions

1. Rinse beans and drain. Sort any unwanted debris and set the seasoning packet aside.
2. Place beans in a large pot of cool water. Cover and allow to soak at least 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain water.
3. Add water, broth, and bay leaf to the large pot with the drained beans.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook 1 ½ to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
5. In a medium pan sauté sausage until starting to brown (you may need to add a tablespoon of butter if your sausage is very lean). Add in onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until onion is soft. Set aside.
6. In the large pot, stir in tomatoes, carrots, celery, browned sausage, garlic, spices, and the seasoning packet from the beans. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until thickened.
7. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.