Its Getting Cold In Here

Mock Cassoulet

1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa) cut in pieces
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic peeled and halved
2 cans Great Northern beans with their liquid
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with onions, peppers, celery and green peppers
1 Tbsp red wine (optional)
1 bay leaf
5 to 6 fresh sprigs of thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cup coarse bread crumbs
2 Tbsp fresh parsley

1. Place sausage, onion & garlic in 7 qt. pot over medium heat. Cook stirring until the sausage brown lightly. Pour in the beans with their liquid and the tomatoes, wine, bay leaf and thyme, Bring to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and parsley and cook, stirring until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, 3 to 4 min. Set aside.

3. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, from the pot. Ladle the cassoulet into bowls, sprinkle some of the parsleyed bread crumbs on top, and serve.  Voilà!!