2 c. northern beans
6 c. water
1/2 lb. Italian sausage
1/2 c. olive oil
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. celery, chopped
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. oregano
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 c. bean liquid
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Sort and rinse beans. Cover with water and cook until barely tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Drain, reserving liquid. Pour beans into 2 quart casserole. Lightly brown sliced sausage in oil. Add onions, garlic, celery. Cook until tender.

Add seasoning tomato paste, 2 cups bean liquid and salt. Pour over beans and stir carefully. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Add more liquid if necessary. Sprinkle with cheese and brown lightly.