BBQ Grail Salsa Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 1 12 oz jar of salsa (brand and heat level of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon “Johnny’s Au Jus Sauce”
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, diced

Directions

Sort and rinse the beans thoroughly.  Place beans in a bowl.  Puree the salsa in a food processor or blender and add it to the beans.  Add water to the bowls so the beans are just covered.  Let the beans soak overnight.  For the first couple of hours watch the beans and add just enough water to the bowl to keep the beans covered with liquid.  The idea is to let the beans soak up as much of the salsa flavoring as possible.

The next morning put the beans in a dutch oven and add all the seasonings.  Saute the onions in the bacon drippings and add them to the bean mixture.  Toss in the sausage and cook the beans on low to medium heat until tender.

NOTE:  Depending on the exact heat and flavor you want you can use “hot” salsa or include your chile of choice, finely chopped.