Description
Jamie Oliver’s hearty bean casserole delivers comfort and warmth from Italy’s rustic kitchens. Simple ingredients combine to create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 higher-welfare pork chipolatas
- 2 x 400 g (14 x 14 oz) tins of mixed beans
- 2 red peppers
- 2 medium leeks
- 2 sticks of celery
- 12 ripe cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tsps sweet smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) passata
- 1 tsp demerara sugar, optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, optional
- olive oil
Instructions
- Sausage Preparation: Preheat grill to medium heat (375-400°F). Season sausages with salt and pepper, then grill for 10 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even browning. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Vegetable Breakdown: Finely chop leeks, garlic, celery, and red peppers, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in ovenproof casserole pan. Add prepared vegetables and cook for 10 minutes until leeks become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Spice Infusion: Sprinkle spices over vegetables and toast for 2 minutes, awakening their aromatic compounds. Pour in drained beans, passata, and a splash of water.
- Simmering Process: Bring mixture to robust boil, then gently nestle grilled sausages into the sauce. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer for 45 minutes, monitoring liquid levels and adding water if needed to prevent scorching.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, potentially adding a splash of vinegar to brighten flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate casserole alongside crisp green salad and complementary carbohydrates like baked sweet potatoes or brown rice for a balanced, hearty meal.
Notes
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality, meaty sausages with robust flavors like Italian or Spanish-style for maximum taste impact.
- Vegetable Prep Tip: Wash leeks thoroughly to remove hidden dirt between layers, ensuring clean and grit-free vegetables.
- Spice Activation Technique: Toast spices briefly in the pan to release their essential oils, dramatically enhancing the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Moisture Management: Monitor liquid levels during slow cooking, adding water sparingly to prevent drying and maintain a rich, saucy consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg