Cannellini Bean and Sausage Stew

This recipe is amazing, and comes from Kalyn at Kalyn's Kitchen. It could be made with any kind of sausage really, however I used a smoked turkey and it turned out so well, even the kiddos ate it up!!

• Ready In: 25 hrs
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  cups  cooked cannellini beans
• 4  links  smoked turkey sausage
• 2 -3  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  large onion (1/2 for beans and 1/2 for stew)
• 1  tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can  petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2  cups  chicken stock
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄4 cup basil, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
•  fresh grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

1. If using dried beans, soak overnight, discard soaking water. Add beans to pot, cover with water by several inches. Add 1/2 onion (coarsly chopped), and 3-4 bay leaves. Simmer until soft (about 45 minutes). When done, drain in sink.
2. While beans are cooking, cut sausage in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moon slices. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in heavy Dutch oven, sauté sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. When done, remove to bowl.
3. Add chopped onion to pot, sauté for 2 minutes, adding more oil if necessary. After 2 minutes, add chopped garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and juice, dried oregano, dried marjoram, and chicken stock to pot with onions and garlic. Add sausage back to pot and cook at a low simmer about 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, add drained beans and simmer 15 minutes more. (If the mixture seems too dry at this point, add a bit more chicken stock.).
6. Add chopped basil and balsamic vinegar and simmer 5 minutes more. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve hot with freshly grated parmasean (Romano works nicely as well).