Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

12 servings
Prep: 35 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

• 1 package (19.76 ounces) Johnsonville 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 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons 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 ounces each) Italian recipe stewed tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper

1. Grill Italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside. In soup kettle, sauté onion, celery, sweet pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil.
2. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle chili with grated Asiago, Romano or Parmesan cheese.