Step 1

Pick over the beans, removing any broken ones, and add beans to the slow cooker.

Step 2

Chop onion, mince the garlic, and crush the spices with a mortar and pestle (or meat mallet) and add to the slow cooker.

Step 3

Add the chicken stock and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker and start to cook on low.

Step 4

Cut the sausage in half lengthwise, and then slice it into half-moon slices.

Step 5

If you’re going to be cooking this while you’re not home, add the sausage now and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are nicely softened.

Step 6

If you will be home, I would cook the other ingredients about 5 hours and then add the sausage. It will work either way, but the sausage will be softer if you add it for the entire cooking time.

Step 7

When beans are done to your liking, chop the spinach, turn the slow cooker to high, and cook about 30 minutes more.

Step 8

Serve hot, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on the stew if desired.