Fava Bean Stew

I've also made this stew with lima beans and it was just as delicious! I challenge you meat-and-potatoes people to try this different stew...I guarantee you'll become legume-lovers!

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  lbs fava bean pods
• 1  lb mild Italian sausage
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  large onions, chopped
• 6  cloves garlic, minced
• 5  cups tomatoes, skinned and chopped (or canned tomatoes)
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 cup  crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Remove beans from pods to make 4 cups.
2. Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with water (1 inch above level of beans).
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until tender.
4. Drain and set aside.
5. Remove casing from sausage.
6. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
7. Cook sausage, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
8. Drain off fat.
9. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until softened.
10. Add fava beans, tomatoes, pepper and half each of the basil and oregano.
11. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 15 minutes or until stew has thickened and beans are tender.
12. Stir in remaining basil and oregano.
13. Serve sprinkled with Feta cheese.