Jacques Pépin

I saw Jacques Pépin making this on TV and was captivated. I made it tonight from memory. I realize now that I forgot the onion and the sausage and I had only regular broccoli but it was still good. Also Jaques also added a small can of clams with the liquid and I did too. Now I want to make it again with fresh clams and home made beans.

Ragout of Broccolini, Beans, and Sausage

White beans, sausage, and broccoli are a classic Mediterranean combination. Instead of broccoli, I use broccolini, because it is more tender and the stems don't need peeling. Preparing the dish with canned cannellini beans makes it a cinch.

4 servings

2 tablespoons good olive oil, plus more for drizzling (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 ounces hot Italian sausage meat
1 can (15.5 ounces) cannellini beans
1 small bunch (8–10 ounces) broccolini
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more if needed
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Pour the oil into a large skillet or saucepan and add the onion and sausage. Cook over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, breaking the sausage meat into small pieces with a fork or spoon. Add the liquid from the can of beans and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, wash and cut the broccolini tops into 1-inch pieces and the stems into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to the pan with the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes and return to a boil. Cover and boil gently for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the broccolini is tender but still a little crunchy.

Add the beans, mix well, and return to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors together. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve as is, or sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and extra oil.