Recipe contributed by:
Viansa Winery - Los Carneros Region - Napa

Pairs best with:
Red Blend    SHOP BY VARIETAL >

Also pairs with:
International Red   SHOP BY VARIETAL >
Tempranillo   SHOP BY VARIETAL >
Sangiovese   SHOP BY VARIETAL >
Primitivo   SHOP BY VARIETAL >

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked cannellini beans
4 Sausage links
2-3 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
3-4 bay leaves
1 tbs minced garlic
1 (14.5 oz) can small diced tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
2 cups chicken stock
Pinch of salt and black pepper
1/4 cup chopped basil
1 tbs. balsamic vinegar
Fresh grated parmesan for serving
Sweet Italian Sausage Seasoning

Preparations:
Beans: Soak beans overnight. In large pot, add beans, 1/4 onion, and 3-4 bay leaves. Fill pot with water to cover ingredients by several inches. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook beans until soft, about 45 minutes. Drain.

Sausage: Cut sausage in half lengthwise, then cut into slices. Heat 2-3 tsp. olive oil in pot. Add Sweet Italian Sausage Seasoning to sausage, 1/4 chopped onion and 1 T garlic. Saute sausage until well browned. Add tomatoes with juice, oregano, dried marjoram, and chicken stock to pot. Cool at very low simmer for 30 minutes, until flavors are well blended and liquid is slightly reduced. After 30 minutes, add drained beans and simmer for 15 minutes more. After beans have simmered, add chopped basil and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.