Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage

The great flavors and healthy qualities of this beloved Italian bean are made even more delicious with this Johnsonville recipe. The vegetables in this hearty dish make it healthy, the Johnsonville Italian Sausages, make it to die for.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2 (19 ounce) packages  Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausages
• 2  cups  dried cannellini beans, sorted and rinsed
• 7  cups water
• 10  fresh sage leaves, divided
• 1  medium roma tomato, cored and cut in half
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  cup  finely chopped onion
• 2⁄3 cup  finely chopped carrot
• 2⁄3 cup  finely chopped celery
• 1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄3 cup mascarpone, cheese*

Directions

1. In a large bowl, pour beans, add water to a level of 3 inches above beans and soak for 6 hours or overnight.
2. Drain.
3. Place beans in a soup kettle or Dutch oven; add 7 cups of water, 5 sage leaves and tomato. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are almost tender.
4. Drain and reserve beans; discard liquid, sage and tomato.
5. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
6. Add garlic, remaining sage, onions, carrots, celery, red pepper flakes and sauté until tender. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, stock, salt and pepper.
7. Cover, reduce heat to low, continue to cook for 15-20 minutes.
8. Meanwhile in a large skillet, prepare sausages according to package directions.
9. Drain.
10. Cut sausage links into thirds.
11. Just before serving, gently stir mascarpone cheese into beans. Spoon prepared beans into individual bowls and top with sausage pieces.
12. Garnish with additional fresh sage. Serve.
13. *1/3 cup cream cheese, cubed, may be substituted for mascarpone cheese.