While flipping through the latest EVERYDAY FOOD, I thought that I would challenge myself and make something that I would NEVER make…
It’s kinda like how you try on that leopard print pencil skirt because you are curious….and it just may work!
Well…this did!
The crispy crunchy bready topping balances out the creamy richness of the beans and chicken sausage. The fried sage was a delight! A total stick to your ribs-comfort- food meal! Perfect for dark & cold Wednesday night!
Umm and HELLO!!!!! Tons of protein and fiber!
Chicken-Sausage and Bean Casserole with Sage
(recipe from EVERYDAY FOOD)
-1/2 baguette (about 4 oz) torn into pieces
-1/4 cup olive oil
-coarse salt & ground pepper
-1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder (I added this to the recipe)
-1/2 cup sage leaves (about 25)
-1 large onion, chopped
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-1 lb. fresh chicken sausage, casings removed
-1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
-3 cans (19oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
1. Preheat Oven to 350. In a food processor, pulse bread until very coars crumbs form (should make about 3 cups). Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and pulse until combined. Add salt, pepper & garlic powder and pulse. Set breadcrumbs aside.
2. In a medium saucepan heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sage; cook until crisp 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sage to a paper towel lined plate- set aside.
3. Add onion & garlic to the pan. Cook until onion is tender–about 5-7 minutes. Add sausage & white wine; cook, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon-until cooked through- about 5 mins. Stir in the beans; cook until beans are tender and creamy- about 5 mins. Season with salt & pepper.
4. Transfer sausage and bean mixture to a shallow 4 quart baking dish; scatter breadcrumbs on top. Place dish on a baking sheet and bake until golden-about 25-30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Add the sage leaves on top as a nice garnish.
***My sage leaves didn’t come out as crispy as I wanted. I think I was parnoid that I would burn them! I ended up adding them to the top of the casserole in the oven 5 minutes before it was supposed to be done. Turned out PERFECTLY. They were nicely crisp.***
