Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sausage; saute 5 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan, and place in an electric slow cooker. Heat the oil in pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. NOTE: you can either do this step ahead or skip altogether and just add sausage, shallots and garlic directly into the slow cooker

Sort and wash beans. Add beans, shallot mixture, water, and the remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours, until beans are tender.

Add diced tomatoes at end. And garnish with herbs.

Yields a lot--about 8 servings of 1 1/4 cups 8 points per serving.