Green Chili Stew

Preparation

Sort beans and rinse very well. Place in a large saucepan, cover with water, and soak overnight; drain, measure soaking water and add enough water to total 6 cups. Place beans, water, salt pork, and 2 teaspoons of the TABASCO® Sauce in the saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 1 hour or until beans are tender. Drain beans and keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat bacon drippings in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat; add half of ground pork and cook until browned; transfer browned pork to a bowl and repeat with remaining ground meat. Melt butter in the same large pot over medium heat; add onions, garlic, green peppers, sage and oregano, and cook 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Return pork and any juices to the pot, along with remaining 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce and remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer 2 hours; uncover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until pork is tender.

To serve, spoon beans into soup plates and ladle green chili stew on top.