Tuscan Sausage And Bean Soup

Rinse beans. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven combine beans and the cold water. Boil, uncovered, for 10 minutes; drain.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook Italian sausage until brown. Drain well on paper towels.

In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart crockery cooker, combine the drained beans, the additional fresh water, beef broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, cooked and drained Italian sausage, squash or zucchini, undrained tomatoes, and red wine or water.

Cook, covered, on low heat setting for 11 to 12 hours or until beans are tender.

Just before serving, stir spinach into soup. If desired, sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.