Rinse beans. Place in a Dutch oven with water. Bring to a boil, simmer 2 min. Remove from heat. Cover & let stand 1 hour. Drain & rinse beans.
Return beans to Dutch oven with broth, garlic & bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover & simmer 1.25 hours.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover & simmer 1 hour or until bean & vegetables are tender & gravy is thick. Remove bay leaves Serving Ideas : Serve with rice & cornbread.
NOTES : Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken. The red pepper flakes, cumin & hot pepper sauce can be increased to half tsp if you want it spicy.
Fat 1.5 g (7.2%) Sodium 829 mg Recipe by: A taste of Home Magazine Converted to MM by Donna Webster Donna@webster.post.demon.co.uk