White Bean and Sausage Stew in Pumpkin Bowls

Name: White Bean and Sausage Stew in Pumpkin Bowls
Ingredients: 2 c. dried navy beans; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprig fresh thyme; 1 tbsp. thyme leaves; 1 large onion; 12 sugar pumpkins; ½ c. extra-virgin olive oil; Coarse salt; Freshly ground pepper; 3 tbsp. unsalted butter; 1 lb. turkey sausage; 36 red pearl onions; 14 small red fingerling or new potatoes; 4 medium carrots; 2 large leeks; 1 stalk celery; ½ lb. white button mushrooms; 1 c. fresh shelled or thawed frozen baby peas; ¼ c. all-purpose flour; 1¼ c. whole milk; 2 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh sage; 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns