Mouth-Watering Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage Recipe
Looking for the perfect dinner recipe to whip up on a busy weeknight? Look no further than this flavorful and hearty Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe. Trust me, once you take a bite of this amazing dish, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
This dish is loaded with bold Italian flavors, from mild Italian sausage to the white cannellini beans, crushed tomatoes and fragrant herbs like sage. And best of all, it comes together easily in one pot, making it a budget-friendly and time-saving option for busy families.
As someone who loves nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing my favorite recipes with others, I can confidently say that this Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone at your table feeling satisfied and happy. So why not give it a try today? I promise you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring meals? Do you crave something flavorful and hearty that’s also easy to make? Look no further than this Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe. Trust me, with one bite of this mouth-watering dish, you’ll fall in love and make it a regular in your meal rotation.
Firstly, the ingredients are simple but come together to create a complex layer of flavors. The creamy cannellini beans pair beautifully with the spicy Italian sausage, creating a satisfying protein-packed meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours. And let’s not forget about the fresh celery, carrots, garlic and onion that add a pop of color and nutrition to this dish.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a cozy one-pot meal on a cold winter day or a budget-friendly dish that can feed a crowd, this recipe has got you covered. And let’s not forget how easy it is to adjust the spice level to suit your personal taste preferences- simply add more or less of those zesty red pepper flakes.
But what really takes this recipe over the top is the finishing touches- from the fresh sage leaves, crushed tomatoes and olive oil which work together in perfect harmony, giving life to every bite. You could even try adding some mascarpone cheese for an extra indulgent twist!
In conclusion, this Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe is truly something special that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try tonight and thank us later!
Ingredient List
One thing about Italian cuisine is that it often involves budget-friendly ingredients to create delicious meals. This dish is not only flavorful but is also fairly economical for any household. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Johnsonville mild Italian sausages (10 fresh or approximately 1 lb of sausage links)
- 2 cups of dried cannellini beans
- extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup)
- fresh sage leaves (10), finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- 2 cans of cannellini beans (19 ounces each), rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of mascarpone
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- red pepper flakes and ground fennel seed, to taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all of the ingredients, let’s dive in to the cooking process. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights where you want a comforting and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it won’t take more than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
To begin with, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir occasionally until golden brown for about 5 minutes.
Next, add 2 mild Italian sausages and remove their casings for easy breaking with a wooden spoon or spatula. To spice things up, generously season with a pinch of red pepper flakes and whole cracked fennel seed or ground fennel, and brown with onion mixture for another 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Beans
After browning, add the rinsed and drained canned or soaked overnight Cannellini beans (2 cans or 2 cups dried Cannellini) to your saucepan together with a can of crushed tomatoes (19 ounce), 1 chopped carrot and celery stalk, and 10 fresh sage leaves. Add enough water (approximately 4 cups) to cover all the ingredients.
Season with additional salt to taste then stir well. Once the liquid starts boiling, lower down the heat into a gentle simmer and cook it uncovered for about 10 -15 minutes until desired bean tenderness is achieved.
Step 3: Serving Up
Last but not least, serve your hot deliciously fragrant Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage Recipe in a bowl or plate. You may also sprinkle additional fresh sage on top as garnish to add an extra burst of flavor.
Don’t forget to Try This Recipe with Other Variations
You can experiment and try out this recipe in different ways by swapping out ingredients! Maybe try Chard instead of kale or Escarole instead of spinach?
Enjoy this unique variation on beans & sausage today!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch up the flavors a bit? Fear not, my culinary comrades – this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of substitutions and variations.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and increase the cannellini beans. For added protein, try subbing in crumbled tofu, seitan or tempeh.
Feeling like adding some greens to your dish? Kale, escarole or Swiss chard would make great additions, either mixed in with the beans or as a bed for them to sit on. Similarly, you could add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for an Italian spin on the classic white bean soup.
Don’t have cannellini beans on hand? No problem! You can use any other type of white bean, such as great northern or navy beans. You could also swap out the herbs and spices to give the dish a new personality. Try switching the fresh sage with basil, thyme or rosemary for different flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a richer soup, add a dollop of mascarpone cheese right before serving; alternatively, you could sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the top for extra depth. And for those who like it hot, try incorporating red pepper flakes to kick up the spice factor.
Whether you’re cooking on a budget or simply using what’s available in your pantry, there are plenty of ways to customize this Italian sausage and cannellini bean recipe to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that we have this scrumptious Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe, let’s talk about serving and pairing. This dish is magnificent on its own, but why not take it up a notch by adding some delicious sides?
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. The indulgent texture of the creamy starch is the perfect complement to the hearty beans and sausage. You can also serve this recipe over a crusty bread or with garlic bread slices. Trust me, you won’t even need the knife and fork for this one!
Pairing-wise, I always recommend having a glass of full-bodied red wine, like a Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Sangiovese. The acidity and tannins in these wines perfectly balance the richness of the dish. For those who prefer beer, you can pair it with an IPA or amber ale that has a strong hoppy flavor to cut through the richness.
This recipe also makes for a great potluck dish that can feed a crowd. It’s perfect for game day, family gatherings or outdoor events where everyone can dig in with some cornbread muffins, coleslaw or salad as additional sides.
Overall, there are numerous ways to serve and pair this mouth-watering Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage recipe for all occasions that will definitely please everyone’s taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As the maker of this delicious cannellini beans and Italian sausage recipe, you might be wondering about how to store, reheat, or even make-ahead this tasty meal. Well, I have some advice that’ll knock your socks off.
Firstly, you can easily make this recipe ahead by preparing the entire dish as directed and then storing it in airtight containers. You can then refrigerate it for up to 4 days. But if you want to keep it longer than that, I suggest freezing it instead. This recipe will keep well in the freezer for about a month.
When ready to serve after refrigerating or freezing, allow the dish to come to room temperature before reheating it. Then you can either reheat it in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, preheat it first and then bake for about 10–15 minutes at 350°F. For microwave reheating, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave for several minutes until heated through.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than four days. When it comes to reheating leftovers, you may need to add some extra liquid such as water or tomato sauce as they may have dried out in storage.
Trust me when I say this – every time I work with this cannellini beans and Italian sausage recipe, I end up making too much! It really is that good. Luckily, with proper storing and reheating preparation, all that leftover goodness won’t go to waste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me tell you, folks, this Cannellini Beans and Italian Sausage Recipe is one that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. But listen up, because I’ve got some tips that will take this dish from great to downright unforgettable.
First tip: don’t be afraid to play with the spices. While this recipe already includes red pepper flakes and fresh sage leaves, feel free to add some of your own personal favorites like rosemary or thyme. Just be sure to use a light hand – you don’t want to overpower those delicate white beans.
Second tip: give the sausage and beans time to truly get acquainted with one another. Yes, it can be tempting to rush through the cooking process, but resist that urge. Letting the sausage cook in the same pot as those creamy cannellini beans allows for all of those rich flavors to marry together in a way that simply can’t be rushed.
Third tip: quality really does matter when it comes to ingredients. Splurge a little for the best cannellini beans you can find, and go for an Italian sausage with whole cracked fennel seed if possible – it gives that authentic Italian flavor that’ll make you swear you’re dining al fresco in Tuscany.
Fourth tip: don’t skimp on the garlic. This recipe calls for four cloves, but feel free to add more (or less, if garlic isn’t your thing). And don’t be shy about mincing it finely – you want every bite to have a little garlic zing!
These simple tips will take your Cannellini Beans and Italian Sausage Recipe from tasty to downright irresistible. So go ahead and treat yourself, my friends – trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.
FAQ
As we near the end of our journey with this recipe, you may still have a few lingering questions. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions and provide some helpful answers to make sure your Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage dish ends up being a smashing success.
Do you need to soak cannellini beans before cooking?
Preparing cannellini beans can either involve using canned beans, which are already prepped and just need to be drained and rinsed, or using dried beans, which require soaking. If you choose to go the latter route, it’s important to soak them for at least 5 hours in a large bowl of cold water so that they can expand properly.
Are cannellini beans inflammatory?
Cannellini beans and other legumes are great sources of nutrients while also having low-calorie content. They are known to contain antioxidants which can help in fighting diseases and have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has also shown that legumes can be beneficial in managing diabetes, especially for those who also suffer from arthritis.
What gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor?
Italian sausage owes its distinctive Italian taste to the addition of fennel, a flavorful spice. Typically, a mix of whole or cracked fennel seeds and ground fennel is used for optimal flavor. The whole or cracked seeds give the spice a pleasant texture, while the ground fennel provides the distinct and unmistakable fennel flavor.
What is special about cannellini beans?
Cannellini beans are a great addition to any diet as they are a rich source of nutrition. These beans provide a good amount of fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium, as well as being fat-free. You can get 11 grams of protein from a 1/4 cup of cannellini beans. Incorporating these beans in your diet can help with regulating blood sugar levels, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare professional.
Bottom Line
with me, and let me tell you why you should give this recipe a try.
First of all, this Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage Recipe is perfect for those who want a budget-friendly yet delicious meal that doesn’t require too much time and effort in the kitchen. All you need are a few simple ingredients and one pot to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Furthermore, the combination of beans and sausage in this recipe is absolutely scrumptious. The creamy texture of the beans perfectly complements the savory flavor of the sausages, while the addition of fresh sage leaves and red pepper flakes gives it an extra kick of flavor.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute or add in your favorite ingredients to personalize it to your taste. You could try swapping cannellini beans for other white beans, using different types of sausage, or even adding in vegetables like kale or escarole.
Lastly, this recipe can be served as a main dish or as a side to complement any meal. It pairs well with pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, or even a simple green salad. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to try making this Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage Recipe at home. Not only is it easy and budget-friendly, but it’s also versatile and downright delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Cannellini Beans & Italian Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (19 ounce) packages Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausages
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans, sorted and rinsed
- 7 cups water
- 10 fresh sage leaves, divided
- 1 medium roma tomato, cored and cut in half
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2/3 cup finely chopped carrot
- 2/3 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup mascarpone, cheese*
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour beans, add water to a level of 3 inches above beans and soak for 6 hours or overnight.
- Drain.
- Place beans in a soup kettle or Dutch oven; add 7 cups of water, 5 sage leaves and tomato. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are almost tender.
- Drain and reserve beans; discard liquid, sage and tomato.
- In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic, remaining sage, onions, carrots, celery, red pepper flakes and sauté until tender. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, stock, salt and pepper.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, continue to cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile in a large skillet, prepare sausages according to package directions.
- Drain.
- Cut sausage links into thirds.
- Just before serving, gently stir mascarpone cheese into beans. Spoon prepared beans into individual bowls and top with sausage pieces.
- Garnish with additional fresh sage. Serve.
- *1/3 cup cream cheese, cubed, may be substituted for mascarpone cheese.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.