Fagioli all’Uccelletto
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed — 400 g (14 oz)
- Olive oil — 3 tbsp
- Garlic, whole, lightly crushed — 2 cloves
- Fresh sage leaves — 6-8
- Canned crushed tomatoes — 300 g (14 oz)
- Salt and black pepper, — to taste
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the crushed garlic and sage leaves, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the beans and simmer a further 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beans are heated through.
- Remove the garlic cloves if desired, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Introduction: Creamy white beans simmered gently with tomato and sage, a simple, flavourful side.
Cultural Background: This simple bean side, cooked ‘in the style of little birds’ with fresh sage, is a staple across San Marino and the surrounding Italian regions, prized for its comforting simplicity.
Tips: Cook the garlic and sage gently in the oil without browning too much, as burnt garlic turns bitter. Simmer the beans gently to avoid breaking them apart too much.
Variations: Add a pinch of chilli flakes for gentle heat; swap sage for rosemary for a different herbal note.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition: Approx. 180 kcal, 8 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: What does ‘all’uccelletto’ mean?
A: It refers to a cooking style traditionally used for small game birds, later adapted for beans using the same tomato and sage flavourings.
Q: Can dried beans be used instead of canned?
A: Yes, soak and pre-cook dried beans until tender before adding them to the tomato sauce.
- Canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed — 400 g (14 oz)
- Olive oil — 3 tbsp
- Garlic, whole, lightly crushed — 2 cloves
- Fresh sage leaves — 6-8
- Canned crushed tomatoes — 300 g (14 oz)
- Salt and black pepper, — to taste
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