Italian Chili

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 35 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 1 (19 7/8 ounce) package italian sausages
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large sweet green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 1/2-1 teaspoon pepper

Recipe

• 1 grill italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside.
• 2 in soup kettle, saute onion, celery, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender.
• 3 add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
• 4 reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.
• 5 tip: sprinkle chili with grated asiago, romano or parmesan cheese.