Shelly's Recipe

ITALIAN CHILI

Category: Chili

1 (18-20 oz) package 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 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
3 (14.5 oz each) cans Italian-recipe stewed tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
3/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
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, saute onion, celery, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until flavors are blended. Sprinkle chili with grated Asiago, Romano or parmesan cheese. Serves 12.