Spicy Sausage and Bean Soup

I made this soup on the fly the other day with ingredients on hand.  My friends were impressed, so I thought I'd share the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 lb of spicey sausage
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves of sliced garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 cans of beans various beans of your choice
• 4 cups chicken broth 
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons caynne pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. If using ground sausage, break into small pieces.  If using sausage in a casing, slice into 1/2 inch coins.
2. In stock pot, saute sausage, onion and garlic in the olive oil until sausage is browned over medium heat (approximately 5-7 minutes).
3. Deglaze pan by adding 1/2 cup of chicken broth.  Add the beans.
4. Stir in spices, pepper sauce and soy sauce and simmer for 30 minutes to incorporate the flavors and heat the soup.