Beans with smoked sausages

I often make this bean and smoked sausage dish, especially when I need something hearty, simple, and quick. When I have canned beans in the pantry and some smoked sausages in the fridge, it’s one of the first recipes that comes to mind. I usually cook this meal on a cooler day or when I want something filling and handy for several meals. It pairs very well with simple pickles. Quick Info Total time: about 40 minutes Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Servings: 3-4 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: staple dish, hearty dinner or lunch Ingredients 400 g canned beans 50 ml oil 2 smoked sausages 1 onion tomato paste (to taste, 2-3 tablespoons are usually enough) dried parsley 2 small bay leaves salt Instructions 1. Slice the sausages into thick rounds about the width of a finger. Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the sausages until they are browned on both sides. Remove them to a plate and set aside. 2. In the same oil used for frying the sausages, add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt and let it cook on low heat until it softens and starts to lightly color. 3. In a large pot, add the drained beans (if there's too much liquid in the jar, discard it). Cover with water, just enough to rise about a finger above the beans. 4. Add the fried sausages and the sautéed onion along with the oil from the skillet. 5. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried parsley. Stir briefly to combine the flavors. 6. Let the dish simmer on low heat, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. 7. Towards the end, add salt to taste. Check and adjust if anything else is needed, then let it simmer for a few more minutes. 8. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for another 5 minutes. It can be served immediately. Why I make this recipe often It’s one of the quickest ways to turn canned beans into a complete meal. I don’t dirty too many dishes, and the ingredients are easy to find. It keeps quite well for the next day. Tips and Variations Tips Canned beans are already cooked, so there’s no need for long boiling. If you find it has too much liquid, you can partially drain it before using. Don’t let the sausages burn; just brown them slightly for flavor. Add the bay leaves at the beginning with the tomato paste, so they have time to infuse their aroma. Substitutions You can also use fresh sausages, but make sure to fry them well to develop flavor. If you don’t have dried parsley, you can skip it or add some fresh parsley at the end if you have it. Canned beans can be replaced with home-cooked beans if you have them. Variations You can add a small grated carrot along with the onion for texture. If you want the dish to be more soupy, let it simmer a few more minutes uncovered at the end. For those who prefer, a teaspoon of sweet paprika can be added with the onion. Serving Ideas I serve it with assorted pickles, especially cucumbers or green tomatoes. It can also be eaten with a slice of plain homemade or store-bought bread. Frequently Asked Questions What type of smoked sausages do I use? I use drier smoked sausages, but juicier ones work too. The important thing is that they are smoked for that specific flavor. Can I add the tomato paste from the beginning? Yes, you can add it along with the onion and sausages to the pot, along with the bay leaves. Can I use red or black beans? Yes, you can, but the flavor will be slightly different. I have most often used white beans. Is parsley essential? It’s not essential. I add it mainly for flavor. You can skip it without significantly affecting the recipe. Can it be made without oil? You can reduce the amount or use less, but the oil helps with the final texture and flavor. Nutritional Values Estimated values for one serving (out of 4): Calories: approximately 350-400 kcal Protein: 16-18 g Fat: 20-25 g Carbohydrates: 24-28 g It largely depends on the type of sausage and how much tomato paste you use. Beans are a good source of fiber and protein. The sausages add fat and extra calories. Storage and Reheating It can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to 2 days. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, it’s good to add a little water if it has thickened too much. The sausages may firm up slightly after cooling, but generally, they maintain their texture. It can be frozen, but the texture of the beans may change after thawing. I prefer to consume it within the first two days.
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