2 pounds cannellini or great Northern beans

1/2 pound smoked ham, diced

3 links Italian sausage

1 gallon chicken stock

1 pound salt meat, diced

1 T. olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. chopped oregano

1/4 C. sliced green onions

Salt and black pepper to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375*F. In a heavy-bottomed stockpot, boil beans, stock, ham and salt meat until beans are tender but still slightly chewy and unbroken. Do NOT overcook. Strain liquid from cooked beans and reserve. Add Italian sausage, olive oil, garlic, oregano and green onions to beans. Season slightly with salt and pepper. Ladle in just enough of reserved liquid to bring level up to beans but not covering them. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes. When beans are extremely tender, strain and serve as a vegetable or starter course.