Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, sauté onion, bell pepper and celery until tender. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add bay leaf, thyme, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt, pepper and stock.

Step 3

Bring to a boil, add beans, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4

Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf.

Step 5

Transfer about 2 cups of the mixture into a bowl and mash well with a potato masher or hand blender.

Step 6

Return mashed beans to the pot, taste and adjust seasoning, and simmer for 5 minutes longer, adding additional stock if bean mixture is too thick.

Step 7

Serve beans over hot, cooked oats, sprinkle with chopped parsley and pass the hot sauce.

Step 8

In a saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil.

Step 9

Stir in steel cut oats and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat and simmer oats, covered or uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.