Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

The Kitchen at Johnsonville Sausage

1 (19.76 ounce) package Johnsonville® Italian Sausage Links, any flavor
1 cup chopped onion
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large sweet yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large sweet green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian recipe stewed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

Directions

Grill Italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside. In a soup kettle, saute the onion, celery, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.
Sprinkle chili with grated cheese.