Easy Italian Recipes

 MAKES 6 SERVINGS

- 1 rounded cup (8 oz/250 g) dried cannellini beans
- 1/4 cup (2 fI oz/60 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 fresh sage leaves
- 1 large tornato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

In Tuscany, small birds, or uccelletti, such as quail and thrushes, are often cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and sage, which is how this simple bean recipe, known as fagioli all'uccelletto, got its name. Great Northern or other dried white beans can be substituted for the cannellini beans.

Cook the beans, then drain, reserving the liquid.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and sage and sauté unti! the garlic is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Add the beans and tornato and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors, about 20 minutes, adding a little of the reserved liquid if the beans become too dry.

Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot or at room temperature.

Buon appetito !