SPICY NEW YORK ITALIAN SAUSAGE STEW

Steps:

• Chop all the vegetables into bite-size pieces; peel the yams but not the red potatoes; keep each vegetable separate because they will be added at different times.
• Prepare seasoning mix in a small bowl, set aside.
• Brown the sausage in a hot skillet, drain, set aside and keep warm.
• Prepare the roux; heat the oil and the flour, cook over medium heat until dark blonde (about 6 minutes); be careful not to scorch the mixture.
• Mix the minced garlic with half of the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and the green peppers and 1/2 of the seasoning mix.
• Add the mixture to the roux(it will be a sticky mess in the pan); cook stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste and cook 2 minutes nore, stirring frequently.
• Stir in 2 cups of the chicken broth at a time, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir.
• Add the rest of the carrots and the red potatoes; cook about 20 minutes; ADD the remaining vegetables, spices, yams, and precooked, drained sausage.
• Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Serve with hot crusty bread.