Recipe: Beans and Franks Tuscan-Style (using Italian Sausage, great northern beans, and kidney beans)

BEANS AND FRANKS TUSCAN-STYLE

1 pound turkey Italian sausage
1/4 cup water
1 to 2 Tablespoons oil
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 red or white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (15-ounce) can Light Red Kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with liquid
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 to 1 teaspoon thyme or sage

Cook sausage in covered skillet over medium heat with water until cooked through. Watch carefully so skin doesn't burn. Cool and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Peel skin off with a knife and fork if it is tough. Set aside.

Clean and slice peppers and onion to make approximately 3 cups.

Heat large covered skillet, add oil then peppers, onion, and garlic. Saute over medium heat until tender.

Add sausage, beans, and remaining ingredients to skillet and simmer for 10 minutes until flavors are blended. OR pour ingredients into a covered 2-quart casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes; uncover and bake to desired thickness, about 1 hour.

Serve hot with salad and garlic bread.

Servings: 6 (1 cup each)
Source: Northarvest Bean Growers Association