Sausage and Chickpea Casserole

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Slit each sausage diagonally several times on both sides. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the sausages, turning once, until browned on the outside and heated through, about 10 minutes.

In another large frying pan over medium high heat, heat the oil. Stir in the chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the chick peas are heated through, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cut the sausages into bite-size pieces. Spray a 3-qt casserole dish and distribute the sausages in the pan. Spoon the chick pea sauce over the sausages. Spread the bread crumbs on top and drizzle with melted butter.

Bake until bubbly and the crumb topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve!