Ingredients

1lb (450g) dried large lima beans, picked over and washed

6 cup cold water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 oz. butter

3 or 4 large onions, chopped

4 carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick

3 large garlic cloves, crushed

4oz (113g) piece smoked ham

4oz (113g) prosciutto

4oz (113g) Italian sweet sausage

4oz (113g) Italian hot sausage

4oz (113g) pepperoni

3 sprigs parsley

2 bay leaves

1 large tin tomatoes, drained and chopped

1/2 tsp pepper white

1/4 tsp pepper black

1/4 tsp Cayenne

Method

Place the beans in a pot, add the cold water, and soak overnight.

Heat the oil and lard in a large, heavy pan.

Add the onions, carrots and garlic and saute over moderate heat 12-15 minutes, stirring.

Reduce heat to low.

Cover and steam vegetables 20 minutes.

Add the beans and their soaking liquid, the ham, prosciutto, 3 sausages, parsley, bay leaves and tomatoes.

Bring to simmer.

Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until the beans are firm tender.

Remove ham, prosciutto, and sausages and cut them into bite-size pieces.

Return to pan.

Add white pepper, black pepper and cayenne.

Stir well and cover.

Cook for approx. 2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.

Cooks Comments and Tips

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