What's Cooking Side Dishes

Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

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

Grill Italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half-moon slices and set aside. In soup kettle, sautè onion, celery, sweet pepper, and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended. Makes 12 servings. Serving suggestions: Sprinkle chili with grated Asiago, Romano, or Parmesan cheese.