Red Bean Stew with Grits - Oryana

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Splash of hot sauce
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 15 oz. can red beans, drained
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot
• Optional: 2 slices cooked, chopped bacon, or cooked, chopped smoked sausage
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk or plain plant milk (or use 4 cups vegetable broth, total liquid)
• 1 cup grits
• salt
• 1⁄4 cup half and half (or 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast)
• 1-2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter spread)