Beans with sausages in French style

Delicious Recipe for Beans with Sausages and Pancetta - A Culinary Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Beans with sausages and pancetta is a recipe that brings together intense flavors and delicious textures, offering a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, where simple ingredients are transformed into unforgettable meals. A perfect combination of proteins and vegetables, this dish can be served with a glass of red wine or a fresh salad, making it ideal for a family dinner or a festive meal. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the beans:
- 4 strips of pancetta (about 150 g)
- 1/2 red onion (julienned)
- 2 leeks (chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- a few sprigs of thyme
- 400 g Chipolata sausages (or fresh sausages)
- 2 cans of white beans (about 400 g each)
- 500 ml passata (or crushed tomatoes)
- a few sage leaves

For the breadcrumbs:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably rustic)
- olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- a few sprigs of thyme

For the broccoli:
- 1/4 white onion
- 1/2 garlic clove
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 broccoli (about 300 g)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cutting the pancetta into small cubes. This ingredient will add a rich flavor and savory taste to the dish. Make sure you have all the ingredients chopped and measured to facilitate the cooking process.

2. Cooking the pancetta:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta cubes and fry them for 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Be careful not to burn them, as the flavors can become too intense.

3. Adding the vegetables:
Add the julienned red onion and chopped leeks to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme, along with a little water to help with cooking. Let the mixture simmer over medium to high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Preparing the sausages:
Meanwhile, brush the sausages with a little olive oil and place them in a baking dish. Put the dish in the preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius. The sausages will become crispy and add flavor to the dish.

5. Creating the aromatic breadcrumbs:
In a food processor, add the bread slices, salt, pepper, 2 garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme. Pulse until you get a homogeneous and crumbly mixture. This aromatic breadcrumb will add a crunchy texture to the final dish.

6. Combining the ingredients:
Once the mixture in the skillet is ready, add the drained beans and passata. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are integrated.

7. Assembling the dish:
Transfer the bean and pancetta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the aromatic breadcrumbs on top, then add the sausages from the oven, and finally, the remaining breadcrumbs. Lightly brush the sage leaves with a little oil and place them on top for extra flavor.

8. Baking in the oven:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for 7-8 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.

9. Preparing the broccoli:
Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the broccoli and boil over high heat, covered, for a few minutes. Once it has softened slightly, drain it and mix it with the dressing made from grated white onion, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Serving suggestions:
This dish is served hot, alongside a fresh salad or with a portion of mashed potatoes. Give it a special touch with a glass of red wine or a fresh lemonade. Another delicious option is to add a few slices of melted cheese on top for extra flavor.

Additional notes:
- Replace pancetta with bacon or a vegetarian option if you prefer a meatless choice.
- The sausages can be swapped with marinated tofu for a vegetarian version.
- You can experiment with different types of beans, such as red beans or chickpeas, for a varied flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe for beans with sausages and pancetta is rich in proteins, fiber, and vitamins. White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, and broccoli provides an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the olive oil used is rich in healthy fats, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! You can use chicken or turkey, depending on your preferences.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Replace the sausages with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian pancetta or omit the meat altogether.

This recipe for beans with sausages and pancetta is not only a delight but also an excellent way to bring the family together at the table. Enjoy your meal!