1/3 c dry red wine (or to taste, or use white wine) .
cooked rice .
1 tbsp cumin powder (or to taste) .
1 1/2 c tomato sauce (optional) .
1 (16 oz) jar salsa (mild or spicy) .
finely sliced onions .
1 green bell pepper, seeded & finely sliced .
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained (or use kidney beans) .
grated cheddar cheese .
2 tsps salt (or to taste) .
black pepper .
2 lbs Italian sausages, casings removed
Directions
Step #1 In a a large skillet cook sausage meat, onions, garlic, oregano, green bell pepper & jalapeno peppers (if using) cook over med-heat/flame breaking up the sausage meat with back of spoon; cook this until the meat is no longer pink; drain the fat from the meat.
Step #2 Add in 2 tbsps oil & continue to cook over med-heat/flame until well browned, stirring every once in awhile (the oil will help brown the meat).
Step #3 Add in drained black beans, chilies, chili powder & cumin; bring to a simmer over med-heat/flame, tomato sauce (if using) salsa, crushed tomatoes, wine, stirring.
Step #4 Reduce heat to low & let simmer uncovered for about 1-1/2 hrs (the longer you cook the better this will be!).
Step #5 Adjust all seasonings to taste, then season this with salt & pepper.
Step #6 Add in sugar (if needed, & only optional) to reduce the acitity of the tomatoes.
Step #7 Place the rice into the bowls then ladle the mixture over rice.
Step #8 Sprinkle top with onions & cheddar cheese to taste.