SPICY RED BEAN AND CHORIZO STEW

Steps:

• Place the beans in a large bowl with cold water to cover and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain and rinse the beans.
• In a large, heavy frying pan, heat the oil over med-high heat.
• Add the onions, celery, and bell pepper and saute until softened and just beginning to brown, about 6 minutes.
• Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in 1 cup of the broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits on the pan bottom.
• Transfer the contents of the pan to a slow cooker and stir in the drained beans, remaining 3 cups broth, the vinegar, pepper flakes to taste, bay leaves, and chorizo.
• Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice.
• The beans should be very tender.
• Discard the bay leaves; season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco.
• If desired, using the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans against the inside of the cooker to thicken the stew.
• Spoon rice into shallow bowls, top with the stew and serve.