White Beans with Spinach & Sausage
Try this White Beans with Spinach & Sausage recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this White Beans with Spinach & Sausage recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic
- freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 3/4 pound kielbasa (turkey or chicken work great if youâ don'
- 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works great in a pi
- 2 cups cannellini beans (you can use canned if needed mak
- twoâ mediumâ sized tomatoes diced up really small it should come to about 1 cup or more
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- Carbohydrate 9.16189999896912 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.20950000128334 g
- Fiber 4.51400007179445 g
- Protein 5.639599999824 g
- Saturated Fat 0.611360000157289 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (531g)
- Sodium 143.437499999789 mg
- Sugar 4.64789992717467 g
- Trans Fat 0.390955000012155 g
- Calories 83 calories
Step-by-step
- If using dry beans, soak overnight in hot water with a lid on. A trick: boil water, pour beans in, cover with lid, let it sit. In the morning, rinse out then head on to the next step.
- Sausage- Cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet before adding to the beans. Sear it well on the sides then cut it up (if using sausage links). Once it's all cooked, add it along with whatever juice/grease from the pan into the beans. If you cook in anything other than a cast iron skillet, a little oil would help in the pan.
- Pour chicken broth and garlic into a large pot. Place on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Add in the oil and oregano then beans. Stir it up before adding in tomatoes.
- Heat through until the beans are tender. It takes about an hour or more depending on heat variation. If using canned, it won't take long at all.
- Once beans are tender, add in the spinach and cook just until the leaves are wilted. Stir it in and sprinkle cracked pepper on top.
- Slow-cooker directions: Follow everything above but instead of a pot, put it all into the slow-cooker. Cook sausage in a pan still, you want that nice flavor from the sear. These small beans are small and will turn to mash for any longer than 4 hours (my slow cooker even on low runs hot). Low, 4 hrs or until beans are tender. Add in the greens at the end.
My Go-To White Bean Recipe: Simple, Versatile, and Delicious
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant juggling act. There's laundry to fold, kids to shuttle to activities, and work deadlines looming. But amidst the chaos, I've discovered a recipe that's become my weeknight savior: White Beans with Spinach and Sausage. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever I have on hand, and surprisingly quick to prepare even on my busiest days.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are basic – white beans, spinach, sausage, and some aromatics. You can easily adjust it based on what's in your pantry and your dietary preferences. Feel free to swap out the kielbasa for Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian crumbles. Using canned beans drastically reduces prep time, making it perfect for those evenings when you're short on time but still craving a nourishing meal. I often find myself reaching for this recipe on a Tuesday night after a long day at the office, knowing it'll be on the table within an hour.
I love the heartiness of this dish. The white beans provide a creamy texture and a good dose of protein and fiber, keeping me full and satisfied. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a boost of vitamins. And the sausage provides a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. It's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. The versatility of this recipe extends beyond the basic ingredients. Sometimes, I’ll throw in a diced bell pepper or some leftover roasted vegetables to stretch the meal further or add a burst of extra color and flavor.
Beyond the Dinner Table: Creative Uses for Leftovers
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is the ease of creating leftover magic. The next day's lunch is practically sorted! I love mashing up the leftover beans into a creamy base for quesadillas, a quick and satisfying midday meal. Or, I'll use it as a filling for omelets or frittatas. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with sausage: Turkey, chicken, and vegetarian sausages all work wonderfully in this dish.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your beans: Dry beans will take longer to cook than canned ones.
- Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Serve it up with your favorite sides: This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables.
This White Bean with Spinach and Sausage recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It's a dish that's easy to adapt to your lifestyle and preferences, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, the next time you're looking for a healthy, delicious, and stress-free weeknight dinner, give this one a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!
