Fagioli all'uccelletto – Beans in Tomato Sauce

Fagioli all'uccelletto (beans in tomato sauce) is a good Italian side dish made with cannellini beans, tomato, garlic, and sage. This quick and easy recipe takes over 10 minutes to make and goes with almost anything!

Uccelletto means little bird in Italian yet this recipe is entirely vegetarian/vegan. It's not known where the name originated from although it's thought that the flavours of sage and tomato, usually paired with game meat is the reasoning behind it.

Ingredients – what you need

These beans are made with simple ingredients all you need is canned cannellini beans (or make your own from dried beans)passata (crushed strained tomatoes), fresh garlic cloves and sage leaves. You'll also need olive oil, salt and pepper.

See the photo below that shows you all the ingredients you need!

Recipe instructions – step by step

Add the garlic and sage leaves to a skillet and fry for a couple of minutes until the garlic is starting to turn a light golden brown (photo 1).

Next, add the tomatoes followed by the water and a good pinch of salt and pepper (photos 2 & 3).

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes then add the cannellini beans (photo 4). Simmer the beans for a further 5-6 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and beans are warmed through, serve.

Serving suggestions

We love to serve these beans with pork or beef steaks and a simple side salad but they will go with almost anything you like.

We also often serve them on toasted slices of ciabatta for a quick lunch (why not add a poached or fried egg on top?) or double the recipe and add in Italian sausages for a hearty bean stew.

Top tips and recipe FAQs

• Want to make them spicy? add in some red pepper flakes or fresh red chilli to taste.
• Add herbs – You can easily add in different fresh or dried herbs to change the flavour.
• Don't overcook – Try not to cook canned beans for more than 5-6 minutes or they soften too much.
• Dried or canned beans – Traditionally these beans are made from scratch using dried beans but for convenience we use canned.

How do we reheat leftovers?

The sauce will thicken when cold but they can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in a pan until warmed through. If needed add a splash of water to loosen.

Can these beans be frozen?

Yes, freeze in suitable containers or bags then thaw completely before reheating. Make sure the beans are piping hot throughout before serving.

More Italian side dishes you might like

• Roasted Butternut Squash with Gorgonzola & Walnuts
• La Peperonata – Bell Peppers in Tomato Sauce
• Sauteed Broccolini with Pesto, Pine Nuts & Chilli
• Italian Green Beans In Tomato Sauce
• Creamy Polenta (Italian Cornmeal)

This recipe was first published on the 8th of March 2017 but has since been updated.

Ingredients

Makes 4 people

• 14 oz canned cannellini beans ((400g) drained)
• 1/2 cup crushed strained tomatoes (passata) ((120g))
• 1/2 cup water ((120ml))
• 5-6 sage leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to season)

Method

1. Add the olive oil to a frying pan or skillet on medium heat and add the chopped garlic and sage leaves. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is just starting to turn a light golden brown.

2. Add the tomatoes followed by the water and a good pinch of salt and pepper, stir. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes.

3. After 5 minutes, add the beans and bring back to a simmer. Continue to cook for a further 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beans are warmed through, serve.

Kitchen notes

• Want to make them spicy? add in some red pepper flakes or fresh red chilli to taste.
• Add herbs You can easily add in different fresh or dried herbs to change the flavour.
• Don't overcook Try not to cook canned beans for more than 5-6 minutes or they soften too much.
• Dried or canned beans Traditionally these beans are made from scratch using dried beans but for convenience we use canned.
• Storage Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days or can be frozen.
• Servings this recipe can easily be doubled for a larger serving.