Cuban Inspried Stewed Sausages

Something I came up with during one of my "Dexter," binges. This is super savoury, rich, filling, and above all, delicious. Very easy to make, as well. Serve over rice.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 2-4
• Yields: 1 pot

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon  pork fat (or oil, etc)
• 1  medium onion, small dice
• 2  stalks celery, small dice
• 1⁄2 bell pepper, chopped (I like small dice, but do with it what you will)
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2 -3  smoked sausage, sliced diagonally in thirds
• 1 (5 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 1⁄2-2  cups water
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  teaspoon lime juice
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika, if you can)
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  bay leaf
•  salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large skillet, sautée onion, celery and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sausage and let brown, making sure to stir fairly often.
4. Add 1 can of tomato paste, mixed with the 1.5 – 2 cups water (however thick you’d like your sauce, initially), to form a sauce.
5. Add to the skillet, with sugar, lime juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and a little salt and pepper to start.
6. Cover and let cook 10-15 minutes, simmering over medium/medium-low heat. remove lid and let simmer 3-5 minutes, till sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Check for seasoning, and serve over rice!