Salsiccia and Beans (Salsiccia e Fagioli)
Category: One-Dish Meals
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
A hearty, rustic Italian dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful, Salsiccia e Fagioli brings together the rich, savory taste of sausages and the comforting texture of beans in a simple, yet utterly delicious recipe. Perfect for any season, this one-pot meal is both easy to make and a great choice for a family dinner or special occasion. With a few fresh ingredients like garlic, rosemary, and a splash of red wine, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausages (preferably Italian) | 500g |
| Dried borlotti beans | 200g |
| Yellow onions | 70g |
| Red wine | 50g |
| Tomato passata | 500g |
| Fresh rosemary | A few sprigs |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Begin by soaking the dried borlotti beans in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This step softens the beans and reduces cooking time. After the beans have soaked, drain them, rinse them under cold water, and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Place the soaked and rinsed beans into a large pot or saucepan. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook the beans for approximately 50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the beans are tender, season with salt to taste. It’s important to wait until the beans are fully cooked before adding salt, as this helps keep the skins from becoming tough.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Sausages
While the beans are cooking, peel and finely chop the yellow onion. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 6-7 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions don’t burn.
Once the onions have softened, add the sausages to the pan. You can either remove the casings and crumble the sausages or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Brown the sausages on all sides, turning occasionally, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine and Add the Tomato Passata
Once the sausages are well browned, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and the liquid reduce slightly.
Next, add the tomato passata to the pan. Stir well to combine the passata with the sausage mixture, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for fragrance and flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Beans and Sausage Mixture
Once the beans are cooked and the sausage mixture has developed a rich flavor, drain any excess water from the beans and add them to the pan with the sausages and tomato sauce. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the beans are coated with the savory sauce. Let the dish simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After the final simmer, your Salsiccia e Fagioli is ready to serve. Spoon the hearty mixture onto plates, making sure each serving has a generous portion of sausages, beans, and sauce. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a touch of elegance, and serve hot.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips for Success
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Soak the beans well: The key to tender beans is giving them enough time to soak. If you’re short on time, you can try using canned beans as a substitute, but soaking dried beans yields the best texture and flavor.
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Use quality sausages: For the most flavorful dish, use high-quality Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. The sausages are the star of this dish, so choose ones with plenty of flavor.
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Control the salt: Be cautious with salt during cooking, especially when adding salt to the beans. Salt can toughen the skins if added too early, so it’s best to wait until the beans are fully cooked before seasoning.
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Wine options: While red wine is traditional in this dish, you can experiment with different types of wine. A dry white wine or a bold red like Chianti can both add depth to the sauce.
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Leftovers: Salsiccia e Fagioli often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Salsiccia e Fagioli is a comforting dish that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your table with minimal effort. The tender beans, savory sausages, and rich tomato sauce come together to create a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
