Lima Beans with Pork Sausage

2-1/2 cups (1 pound) dry lima beans, rinsed and sorted
6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound bulk pork sausage
2-1/2 cups tomato juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil

In a Dutch oven, bring beans, water and salt to a boil. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour (or soak beans overnight). Do not drain. Bring beans to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, shape sausage into 3/4-in balls; brown in a large skillet until no pink remains. Drain fat. Add tomato juice, chili powder, pepper and basil. Drain beans; add sausage mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes 8-10 servings.