If using dry beans, soak over night in hot water with lid on. A trick- boil water, pour beans in turn the heat off , cover with lid let it sit. In the morning, rinse out then place in large pot.

Sausage- I cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet before adding to the beans. I like to sear it well on the sides then cut it up ( if using sausage links). Once it's all cooked I add it along with whatever juice/grease that the sausage made from the pan and add it into the beans.

Add all the ingredients including broth into a large pot ( except the spinach!). Place on medium high heat and bring to a simmer. Heat through till the beans are tender. It takes about an hour or more depending on heat variation. If using canned it won't take long at all. Once beans are tender add in the spinach and cook just until the leaves are wilted. Stir it in and sprinkle cracked pepper on top.

Simple dish you can dress up or dress down. I like serving this along side ribs, or any BBQ dish. I also mash up the beans that are left over and make quesadillas out of them, perfect for lunch time.

Slow-cooker directions, Follow everything above but instead of a pot put it all into the slow-cooker. Cook sausage in a pan still, you want that nice flavor from the sear. . These small beans are small and will turn to mash for any longer than 4 hours. ( my slow cooker even on low runs hot) Low, 4hrs or until beans are tender. Add in the greens at the end.