Sausage, Kale, and Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 12 ounces kale
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup shiitake mushroom caps (1 3.2-oz. pkg.), sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 cups Vegetarian Cassoulet beans
• 1 14 1/2-ounce can vegetable broth

Directions

Shape sausage into 1-inch balls. Arrange sausage balls in a single layer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until brown on all sides. Remove sausage from skillet and drain. Remove any fat left in skillet.

Meanwhile, remove center stalks from kale; discard stalks. Coarsely chop kale (should have about 16 cups). Add kale and water to skillet; cook, covered, for 10 minutes or until kale is just tender, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 minutes more. Add sausage, Vegetarian Cassoule beans, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until kale is very tender.