Salsicce e Fagioli: A Hearty Italian Dish
Salsicce e Fagioli
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups, and bowls.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, depending on your preference
- 2 cans 15 oz each cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked beans)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Method
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve:
- Once done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
- Variations
- Beans: You can substitute cannellini beans with other types such as kidney beans or navy beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Sausage: Try using turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even vegetarian sausages for a meat-free version.
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
Salsicce e Fagioli, or Sausages and Beans, is a classic Italian comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying. This dish brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of beans, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare, while the end result is a dish that feels special. So let me show you how I make this delicious Salsicce e Fagioli.
Notes on What to Expect
When you prepare Salsicce e Fagioli, expect a dish that is not only comforting but also versatile. The combination of sausage and beans creates a rich, savory flavor, while the tomatoes add a hint of sweetness and acidity. This dish is satisfying on its own but can also be paired with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $12-$15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
- Equipment Needed: Large skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups, and bowls.
- Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #salsicceefagioli here.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #salsicceefagioli here.
Method
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve:
- Once done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Variations
- Beans: You can substitute cannellini beans with other types such as kidney beans or navy beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Sausage: Try using turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even vegetarian sausages for a meat-free version.
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Freezing: Salsicce e Fagioli freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the sausage and broth are gluten-free.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium canned beans and broth to control salt intake.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
I hope this guide has made making Salsicce e Fagioli seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>