Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Stufato di Borlotti, Cavolo Nero e Salsicce/Cranberry Beans, Kale and Sausage Stew

This combination screams of fall to me. There isn't much more of a satisfying and warming dish for a cool, autumn evening. Serve this with crusty bread, a salad and don't forget the wine* for an easy dinner.



Borlotti (Cranberry) Bean, Kale and Sausage Stew
Serves 3-4 as a main course
1 1/2 cups dried Borlotti beans
2 mild Italian sausages
1 onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
3 carrots finely chopped
1 tsp. finely chopped rosemary
3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 bunch kale or chard, chopped
salt & pepper

Soak Borlotti beans over night.

The next day, drain the beans and cover with fresh water, 2" over the beans. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about one hour, or until tender.

In the meantime cut sausages into bite-size pieces and fry in a skillet. Remove to paper towels and let drain.

In a soup pot, saute' onion in a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and carrots. Saute' all for about 5 minutes.

Add rosemary and saute' quickly.

Add the broth from the cooked beans along with about 3/4 cup of the cooked beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, kale or chard, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Puree the remaining beans and add to the pot. Reduce to a simmer and cook for another 15-30 minutes to reduce to desired consistency.


*Wines to serve with this: I like a fruity red wine with this like a Cru Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone, a light Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, Barbera d'Asti, Refosco or a simple Rioja.



Buon appetito!










13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beans, sausage, and kale? I'm in! I love this combination. So hearty, and yes, screams of fall.

Katie Zeller said...

I love beans and sausage in any combination, any dish. I'm thinking I must make soup this weekend.... Looks wonderful!

Anonymous said...

You're right - the days are just getting that little sharper on the bite and the evenings ask for a longer lingering around the warmth of the dinner table, which makes your meal just perfect!Looks wonderful!
Ronell

The Passionate Palate said...

Maryann - glad you agree, or is it "great minds think alike"?

Katie - Let me know if you like it. This combination is right up my alley, too.

Ronell- You are right - lingering around the warm dinner table does fit in with the season!

Anonymous said...

Def "great minds", of course!

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

YUM!!!!!!!
I'll be right over.

hungry!

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

PS - What is this name?
I tried to say it, but it sounded like I was talking with my mouth full. I only wish!

hee hee...

Scarlett & V.

Dana said...

Oh, that looks wonderful! I'm going to have to make it this weekend. The cold weather has me craving soups as well. :)

The Passionate Palate said...

Scarlett - plenty to go around!

Dana - I hope you like it!

Figs, Bay, Wine said...

My favorite kind of recipe this time of year! How wonderful.

The Passionate Palate said...

Figs - We think alike!

Christina said...

I will be making this when the kale comes in--you can count on that. Thanks for the great recipe. Also, I'd love to know how to pick your mind about the honeymoon that ECG and I plan to take to Italy. Do I understand that you run an Italian tour company, or am I just confused? I'd love to use your company as a resource for planning our honeymoon, if it fits our budget and interests.

Thanks! Have a great night!

The Passionate Palate said...

Christina - Yes, yes and yes. I hope you like the sutfato. I do run an Italain tour company and of course I would be happy to help. I just emailed you. Have a great night yourself.