Sausage, Bean And Tomato Stew

Great on these winter nights with some fresh bread and a glass of wine.

8 oz. Navy Beans
Bacon I slice
Sausages: your choice of smoked sausage
Carrot One
Celery one stick
Onion one half
Garlic to taste
Vinegar I teaspoon
Olive Oil to cook.
Tomato paste 1 teaspoon.
I teaspoon tomato paste
Half a can of whole peeled tomatoes chopped up.
Bay leaf
Thyme

Soak the beans overnight. Chop up all the vegetables into medium sized pieces. Cut the bacon into strips.

Heat the olive oil in a pot and add the bacon. When the bacon is cooked but not crispy add the vegetables and cook until half way done. Add the vinegar and allow to evaporate completely then add the beans. Cook the beans for a few minutes or until all the flavors come together. Add the tomato paste and chopped garlic , bay leaf and thyme. Cook for another few minutes then add the flour and mix well. Add the canned tomatoes with the juice, water or stock and then add the sausages. Allow to cook for a good hour or so on a medium heat. Correct seasoning and serve with fresh bread.

You can also add some potatoes and jalapenos to this.