Fagioli all'Uccelletto (Tuscan Beans with Tomato and Sage)
Local name: Fagioli all'uccelletto
In short: Tender white beans simmered with sage, garlic and tomato in olive oil, the way Tuscans cook them to go with sausages and roast meats. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Fagioli all'uccelletto means beans cooked like little birds, because the sage and garlic are the same flavors used for roasting small birds in Tuscany. White beans are simmered in a loose tomato sauce with garlic and plenty of sage until soft and creamy. It is a classic side dish for grilled sausages, roast pork and bistecca, and it also works as a light meal on toasted bread. Use cooked cannellini beans, canned or home-cooked.
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat with the garlic and sage for 2 minutes, until the garlic is pale gold and the sage is fragrant and crisp at the edges.
- Add the chili flakes, if using, then the tomatoes. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly.
- Stir in the beans, water, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce clings to the beans and some of them have softened into it.
- Taste for salt and pepper. Serve warm, drizzled with a little fresh olive oil.
Tips
- Cook dried beans for the best flavor. Soak 350 g (12 oz) overnight, boil them hard for 10 minutes, then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender. Use some of the cooking water in the sauce.
- Fresh ripe tomatoes can replace canned ones when they are in season. Use about 500 g (1 lb), peeled and chopped, and simmer a few minutes longer.
Questions and answers
What does all'uccelletto mean?
It means little bird style. The name refers to the sage and garlic seasoning, which in Tuscany was traditionally used to cook small game birds.
What can I serve with fagioli all'uccelletto?
They go well with polenta, roasted vegetables or a green salad. On toasted bread, they make a simple lunch.
Can I make fagioli all'uccelletto ahead?
Yes. They taste better the next day and keep for 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened.
How long does it take to make Fagioli all'Uccelletto (Tuscan Beans with Tomato and Sage)?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fagioli all'Uccelletto (Tuscan Beans with Tomato and Sage)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
