Recipe: Catalan Chickpeas with Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 pound chickpeas, soaked in 2 quarts water for 6 hours or overnight and drained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 plump garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 to 1/2 pound fresh mild Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 2 tablespoons diced cured ham, such as prosciutto
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 pound fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, or a 14-ounce can, lightly drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme