Cannellini Bean And Sausage Gratin Recipes

CANNELLINI BEANS & ITALIAN SAUSAGE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, pour beans, add water to a level of 3 inches above beans and soak for 6 hours or overnight.
• Drain.
• Place beans in a soup kettle or Dutch oven; add 7 cups of water, 5 sage leaves and tomato. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are almost tender.
• Drain and reserve beans; discard liquid, sage and tomato.
• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic, remaining sage, onions, carrots, celery, red pepper flakes and sauté until tender. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, stock, salt and pepper.
• Cover, reduce heat to low, continue to cook for 15-20 minutes.
• Meanwhile in a large skillet, prepare sausages according to package directions.
• Drain.
• Cut sausage links into thirds.
• Just before serving, gently stir mascarpone cheese into beans. Spoon prepared beans into individual bowls and top with sausage pieces.
• Garnish with additional fresh sage. Serve.
• *1/3 cup cream cheese, cubed, may be substituted for mascarpone cheese.

TUSCAN SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND CANNELLINI BEANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Brown sausages in oil till done, drain and slice into rounds.
• In large bowl, combine sausage, spinach, beans, onion, cream, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, lemon peel and juice, nutmeg, and salt and pepper.
• Turn mixture into a greased 2 qt casserole.
• In small bowl, mix bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup cheese, garlic and melted butter.
• Sprinkle on top of casserole.
• Bake uncovered 35 minutes, or until heated through.