Spicy Sausage & Cannellini Bean Stew

A savory white bean and tomato stew with slices of spicy sausage--simple to make, healthy to eat.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 14 oz can stewed tomatoes
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• Dash of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 inch slices
• 2 19 oz cans cannellini beans, drained

Directions:

Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme and bay leaves; cook and stir until onion is lightly brown. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and sausage. Bring the sausage mixture to a boil over high heat; reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix in the cannellini beans and cook for another 20 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

Number of Servings: 6

Notes from the Cook: Serve with fresh bakery crusty bread.