Recipe for Salsiccia e Fagioli

Salsiccia e Fagioli (Sausage and Beans) is a beloved comfort dish that hails from Tuscany, rich with flavor and perfect for a hearty meal. Based on my overall experience, it’s a great dish to prepare on a chilly day. Let me show you how I make this simple yet delicious recipe that combines savory sausage with creamy beans and a rich tomato sauce, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

Notes:

From my own personal experience, this dish is best served with crusty bread to enjoy “la scarpetta” (scooping up the sauce with the bread). It’s a simple yet hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Recipe for Salsiccia e Fagioli

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ease of cooking: Medium
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~500 kcal
Cost of ingredients: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main

Equipment Needed:

• Stovetop or slow cooker
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # Salsiccia e Fagioli now.

Ingredients:

• 6 mild Italian sausages (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
• 1 can (14 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or dried beans soaked overnight)
• 1-2 cups of tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 6-8 sage leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # Salsiccia e Fagioli now.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sausages:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Prick the sausages with a fork to prevent them from bursting, then brown them in the pot until golden and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Once browned, set aside.
2. Cook the Beans:
   If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them with sage, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil for about an hour. If using canned beans, simply drain, rinse, and cook for 1-2 minutes with the same seasonings.
3. Simmer the Dish:
   Return the sausages to the pot and add the beans. Pour in the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add salt, pepper, and more sage if desired. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth from the beans.
4. Serve:
   Once the sausages are cooked through and the beans are tender, remove from heat. Serve the dish with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausages with plant-based sausages or a hearty vegetable like eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Beans: You can use other beans like borlotti or kidney beans if cannellini isn’t available.
• Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat, or try a dash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # Salsiccia e Fagioli now.

Tips and Substitutions:

• If you’re looking to make it lighter, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
• For a richer flavor, consider using a homemade tomato sauce or adding a bit of red wine when simmering the sausages and beans.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

I hope this guide has made making Salsiccia e Fagioli seem a little less daunting. Or, have you tried it before? Please be honest, and let me know in the comments below, I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!