Imagine a steaming bowl of pure culinary comfort that combines the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking with a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to Tuscany. This White Bean and Sausage Ragout is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a plate, packed with robust sausage, creamy white beans, vibrant vegetables, and a depth of flavor that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that proves gourmet cooking can be both simple and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring them: chop onion, mince garlic, dice zucchini, slice sausage, and roughly chop kale.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove sausage from pot and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add diced zucchini to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly caramelize and develop color.
- Pour in drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return browned sausage to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring to incorporate and allowing kale to wilt and become tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the ragout rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to further develop.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor profile - look for ones with herbs like fennel or red pepper flakes.
- Don't rush the browning process for the sausage; those caramelized bits add incredible depth to the dish.
- Use fresh kale for maximum nutrition and texture - remove the tough stems before chopping.
- If the ragout seems too thick, add a little more broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Serve with crusty bread or over creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 434kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
