2. Combine sausage and hot water to cover in a saucepan, over a moderate flame bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes and drain.

3. Add sausage, ham hock, bell peppers, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the beans set over a moderate flame, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2-3 hours

4. Remove ham hock or shank, slice meat from bone, and return meat to the beans.

5. Remove 1-2 cups beans, mash with a spoon or puree in a food processor, and stir back into the mixture to thicken.

6. Place a large scoop of rice into a soup plate and top with a large portion of the beans. Garnish with parsely, serve hot.