touchdown italian chili

By momofsixplus1

Ingredients

• 1 pkg)19.76oz) italian sausage links
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 each large sweet red, yellow and green pepper-cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cans(14 1/2 oz each) italian recipe stewed tomatoes
• 1 can(16oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can(15oz) butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can(6oz) tomato paste
• 3/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup cream sherry, optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 1/2 tsp baking cocoa
• 1/2-1 tsp pepper

Preparation

Step 1

grill italian sausage according to package directions, cut into half moon slices and set aside. in a soup kettle, saute the onion, celery, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender. add sausage and the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

sprinkle chili with grated asiago, romano or parmesan cheeese.

makes 12 servings