• 1 pkg of chicken sausage links, sliced
• splash of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves crushed
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large can fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
• 2 cups water, or chicken broth
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• red pepper flakes for cooking and serving
• shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium high heat. Add in sliced sausage pieces, garlic and onion. Cook, stirring, until garlic and onions are translucent.
2. Add in beans, tomatoes and water or broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, turn to simmer. Add in a generous pinch of red pepper flakes if you like hot, or less if you do not, and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Serve with shredded cheese and your favorite cornbread and if you need a really good, classic Southern recipe, click here. You might need a cold beer to cool things down a bit. Enjoy the warmth and coziness while the weather allows.

Teresa Blackburn http://www.teresablackburnfoodstyling.com