Dried cannellini beans—Full of protein, calcium and iron—are cooked with aniseed-flavoured Italian sausages in a creamy herb sauce, making this stew a complete meal.
Place the beans and vegetables in a large flameproof casserole dish with the sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Wrap the peppercorns in a piece of muslin and add to the dish. Cover with 1.5litres cold water. Place on the stove and bring to the boil; then reduce the