Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew

If you are looking for a hearty, yet easy recipe to throw together while company is in town, look no further. I think I might have posted this stew recipe a long time ago, but want to share it again. This was our girls' night meal on this past Monday. (See Mollye, I am remembering to post what we eat--sorta.)

Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew

3/4 pound hot Italian sausage links (I use pre-cooked smoked sausage links, sliced)

2 medium carrots

1 medium bulb fresh fennel (I use an onion)

1 can (14.5-ounce) petite diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

4 garlic cloves, pressed

2 cans (15-ounce) cannellini beans

1 package of fresh basil

1. Remove casings from sausage. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch nuggets.

2. Place sausage into 4 quart (or 4 liter) casserole and cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

3. As sausage cooks, peel carrots.

4. Chop carrots and fennel; add to casserole and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, or until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables begin to brown.

5. Stir tomatoes, broth and garlic into sausage mixture.

6. Drain and rinse beans using small colander; add to casserole.

7. Simmer stew, uncovered, 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

8. As stew simmers, chop basil. Remove casserole from heat; stir in basil. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings