Italian Borlotti Bean Chili
- 1 cup dried Italian butter beans or borlotti beans
- 1 Italian sausage, roughly chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Drain and bring to a boil with fresh water covering the beans by about 2 inches. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour or until soft but not falling apart, reserving cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, sauté the sausage, onions and garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Add the tomato sauce. Add the herbs, salt and pepper to taste and simmer 1 hour.
Add the borlotti (or butter) beans with their cooking liquid and simmer for another hour.
Serve alone or over soft polenta.