Ingredients

1 lb. dried mixed beans (dried beans, lentils, split peas)

2 qts. water

1 qt. chicken broth

1 T salt

2 large carrots sliced about 1/4" thick

Bouquet Garni

6 (about 1 1/2 lbs.) Italian sausages can be mild or hot or a mixture

3 T olive oil

1 medium white onion chopped

1 C. celery chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 can (about 28 oz.) Italian stewed tomatoes drained

1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

1 C dry red wine

freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Rinse, drain and pick over beans Place beans, water, broth, salt, carrots and bouquet garni in an 8 quart pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 1 hour.

After the 1 hour add whole sausages and cook an additional 30 minutes

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium size saute pan and cook onions, celery and garlic over medium heat for 5 minutes

Remove sausage from pot and cut into bite size pieces

Return sausage to the bean mixture along with sauteed vegetables, tomatoes, tomato paste and red wine.

Simmer over medium low heat for 45 minutes

Remove and discard bouquet garni before serving