Bean-n-Sausage Supper

Bean-n-Sausage Supper with Navy Beans, Italian Sausage, and Sage

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 9 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Bean-n-Sausage Supper is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the wholesome goodness of navy beans. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something filling and flavorful. It's a simple, one-pot meal that is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

History

The combination of beans and sausage has roots in many cultures, with variations of this dish found in Italian, American, and other cuisines worldwide. The Bean-n-Sausage Supper, as we know it, is a modern take on these traditional recipes, adapted for convenience and speed without sacrificing flavor. It reflects the evolution of home cooking, where time-honored techniques meet the practical needs of today's busy households.

Ingredients

2 cups navy beans
1 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb (454 g) italian sausage
1 small carrot, peeled, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
0.25 tsp dried sage
3 cups beef broth
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Sort, rinse, and soak the beans; drain and rinse them.
Heat the oil in a pressure cooker.
Saute the onion, garlic, and Italian sausage for 4 – 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
Add the carrot, celery, and sage.
Saute the mixture, stirring frequently.
Add the beans, stock, and water.
Stir well.
Cover the beans with water, ensuring it is 2 inches above the level of the beans.
Lock the lid and bring it to full pressure.
Adjust the heat to maintain pressure and cook for 9 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.

Variations

Consider these variations to tailor the recipe to your taste:
Substitute cannellini beans or chickpeas for navy beans.
Use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo for an extra kick.
Add a splash of white wine to the sautéing vegetables for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Bean-n-Sausage Supper, consider the following tips:

- Soak the navy beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Use high-quality Italian sausage for more authentic and robust flavors.

- Sauté the vegetables until they are just tender to avoid overcooking them during the pressure cooking process.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but be mindful of the salt content in the broth and sausage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bean-n-Sausage Supper with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time for the beans, making this dish a convenient option for a weeknight dinner. Sautéing the vegetables and sausage before pressure cooking enhances the flavors and textures in the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for ingredient substitutions:

- Replace Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

- Swap olive oil with another vegetable oil if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

The Bean-n-Sausage Supper can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve with time, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in a deep, rustic bowl to highlight its hearty nature. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the sausage and beans. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the mixture seems too thick.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Bean-n-Sausage Supper contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet, especially when served with a side of vegetables or a simple salad.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively moderate in carbohydrates, with the primary source being navy beans. A serving of this supper provides approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which are essential for energy and overall health.

Fats

The Italian sausage is the main contributor to the fat content in this recipe. A serving contains about 20 grams of fat, depending on the sausage's fat content. Using leaner sausage can reduce the fat content, making the dish lighter and healthier.

Proteins

The Bean-n-Sausage Supper is rich in proteins, thanks to the combination of navy beans and Italian sausage. Each serving offers around 25 grams of protein, making it an excellent option for maintaining muscle health and overall body function.

Vitamins and minerals

Navy beans are a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The vegetables in the recipe also contribute vitamins A and C, among others, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens, including gluten (in some brands of Italian sausage) and legumes (navy beans). Always check the labels of your ingredients if you have specific food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, the Bean-n-Sausage Supper is a balanced meal that offers a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty, nutritious option that can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs.

Summary

The Bean-n-Sausage Supper is a versatile, flavorful, and nutritious dish that combines the best of simple ingredients and cooking techniques. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a cold night or a satisfying dish that can be prepared ahead of time, this recipe is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage. As soon as I walked in, the warm and inviting aroma of her Bean-n-Sausage Supper filled the air, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and as we sat down at her kitchen table, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations, and that she had learned how to make it from her own grandmother.

As she talked, Martha started pulling out the ingredients from her pantry and refrigerator – cans of beans, a package of smoked sausage, some onions and garlic, and a few spices. She moved around the kitchen with ease, chopping and sautéing, all the while sharing her tips and tricks for making the perfect Bean-n-Sausage Supper.

I watched in awe as Martha worked her magic, turning simple ingredients into a delicious and comforting meal. The beans simmered on the stove, soaking up all the flavors of the sausage and seasonings, while the aroma continued to fill the kitchen and make my stomach growl in anticipation.

Finally, Martha ladled the steaming hot stew into bowls and handed me a spoon. I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would cook up hearty meals to warm our bellies on chilly nights.

After finishing our meal, Martha generously shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a stained index card that had seen better days. She encouraged me to make it for my own family and friends, assuring me that it was a crowd-pleaser and always a hit at gatherings.

I left Martha’s house that day with a full belly and a heart full of gratitude. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious new dish, but I had also gained a deeper appreciation for the tradition of passing down recipes from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have made Martha’s Bean-n-Sausage Supper countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for the recipe after taking their first bite.

Each time I make the stew, I am reminded of that cold winter day in Martha’s kitchen, and I am grateful for the bond that food has created between us. The recipe may have originated with her family, but now it holds a special place in my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of simple ingredients and shared traditions. And as I serve it to my own grandchildren, I know that the legacy of this beloved recipe will continue to live on for generations to come.