Black Bean Stew for a Crowd

This black bean stew recipe will fit in with many foods when cooking for a crowd

Planning for a crowd in a casual setting is pretty easy. Just throw turkeys and hens in the oven or on the smoker, add a super-sized pork loin, and you're set. Side dishes such as this black bean stew will complement meats and poultry; it is also filling and delicious.

Black Bean Stew
(serves approximately 24)

4 lbs black beans
5 cups chopped onion
2 cups diced Bell pepper
1 cup minced parsley
2 lbs sausage links (beef - cut into 2-inch chunks)
½ cup white grape juice
20 garlic cloves, chopped
4 ham hocks
10 quarts water
2 Tablespoons lime juice
2 Tablespoons oregano
2 Tablespoons cumin
1 Tablespoon cayenne (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak beans overnight and rinse.

Place beans, onion, garlic, hocks, and water in soup pot (may require two after all ingredients have been combined and water added). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered for about 3 hours.

Add remaining ingredients and continue simmering for an additional 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

Remove hocks and remove any bits of meat to return to pot. Continue to cook until thickened.

Instead of breads, consider making several batches of southern-style cornbread. You can smoke the meat, use the cooktop for the black bean stew, and have oven space for the cornbread. It's a great casual meal for a crowd.