I know these are called the “Slow Food Files” and it may seem hypocritical to post something quick and easy in this category. I will defend myself only by pointing out that when I started the Slow Food Files I defined slow food as “food you cook yourself rather than schlepping up to the drive thru for” (or something like that. This dish is apparently a Hoosier favorite. The first time I had it was at my sister-in-law Karen’s house, and it is defined by all the adjectives in the above title: fast, cheap, hearty and delicious. I would also add a qualified “healthy and nutritious,” if you look past the sodium in the canned green beans (which you need to flavor the dish) and the fact that it uses smoked sausage (how healthy can that be, really?). Anyway, it’s a terrific way to enjoy a home-cooked meal in 30 minutes, you can keep these ingredients on-hand, and most important, everybody loves it. Serve in shallow bowls with hot peppers on top for that “John’s Famous Stew” effect. DO NOT ADD SALT… the broth is salty enough!

Hoosier Smoked Sausage Pot
1 50-oz can cut green beans
1 lb. skinless smoked sausage, diced into bite-size pieces
4 russett potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

Throw the chopped sausage, potatoes and onion into a large pot or dutch oven. Throw on top the green beans with the liquid. Grind a whole bunch of black pepper on top and give the thing a quick stir while you’re bringing it to a boil. Cover and simmer at a lower temperature about 30 minutes, until potatoes are soft. Enjoy!