Oh, the comfort of a hearty skillet meal—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Easy Italian Sausage White Bean Skillet is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a cozy blanket and forget the world outside. I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through a food blog during a late-night snack session, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite!
Steps
- Cook the sausage until browned to help maintain its texture during braising. If using raw sausage, cook it fully before slicing and browning. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic briefly. Add the beans, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and thyme, allowing the mixture to cook together. The aroma will indicate that dinner is underway.
- Gently smash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon, leaving some whole for texture. As the ingredients meld together, add in the kale and allow it to wilt.
- Once the kale has softened, stir in the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and the browned sausage slices. Let everything simmer on low heat for a few minutes.
- Serve the skillet dish hot, optionally paired with a loaf of bread to mop up the flavorful juices. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Pre-cooked Italian sausage or smoked sausage
- Garlic
- Canned white beans (any variety)
- Chicken stock
- Fresh thyme
- Kale
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute with your preferred type of pre-cooked sausage, such as Italian or a favorite smoked variety. If you only have raw sausage, be sure to cook it thoroughly before slicing and browning.
- What kind of beans work best for this dish?
- You can use any type of white beans you prefer or have on hand. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize based on your pantry supplies.
- How long can I store kale before using it in this recipe?
- Kale is a sturdy green that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, especially if kept in an airtight container. It’s perfect for keeping on hand for quick meals like this one.
- Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?
- While a cast iron skillet is great for this recipe, any type of skillet will work just fine. The important thing is to use a pan that can accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.
- Is bread necessary to serve with this dish?
- Bread is not essential, but it is highly recommended. It pairs wonderfully with the skillet meal and is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices left in the pan.
Tips
- Brown the Sausage First: To retain texture during braising, ensure you brown the sausage slices before adding them back to the skillet. If starting with raw sausage, cook it thoroughly before slicing and browning.
- Smash Some Beans, Not All: As the beans and stock simmer, use the back of your spoon to gently smash some of the beans. This adds a creamy texture to the dish while keeping some beans whole for a nice contrast.
- Use Kale for Longevity: Kale is a durable green that can last in the fridge for weeks when stored in an airtight container. It’s a great ingredient to have on hand for a quick, nutritious dinner option.
- Add Bread for Extra Enjoyment: While optional, serving this dish with a loaf of good bread can enhance the meal by allowing you to soak up the flavorful juices from the skillet.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet (or any suitable skillet)
- Airtight container (for storing kale)
