Red Beans & Sausage

1      pound dried red beans cooking spray

1      ham hock (12 ounces)

1      cup chopped onion

1½   cups chopped green pepper

1      bay leaf

1      tablespoon chili powder

4      cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

1      tablespoon oregano

½     tablespoon thyme

1      tablespoon dry coriander

1      tablespoon dried basil

4      cups low-sodium chicken broth

1      tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2      pounds turkey kielbasa, cut into 8 portions

1      teaspoon Tabasco®, or to taste

½     teaspoon kosher salt

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 420 (28% from fat) • carb. 45g • pro. 33g • fat 14g • sat. fat 6g

• chol. 65mg • sod. 1777mg • calc. 95mg • fiber 10g

Soak beans in water to cover by 3 inches overnight (at least 8 hours). Drain, pick over beans and rinse. Lightly coat the ceramic pot of the Cuisinart® Slow Cooker with cooking spray. Combine the drained beans, ham hock, onion, green pepper, bay leaf, chili powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, coriander, basil, and chicken broth in the pot. Cover and press the on/off button to turn the unit on. Set timer to 6 hours and press Low; the slow cooker will automatically switch to Warm when cooking time has elapsed.

Heat oil in a 12-inch Cuisinart® skillet over medium heat. Brown the turkey kielbasa on all sides, about 5 minutes, and add to slow cooker. Cook for another

2 hours. Remove ham hock and cut meat from the bone. Return the meat to slow cooker and discard the bone. Add Tabasco® to taste. Add salt if desired. Serve with cooked white rice.