Sausage and Bean Casserole

This simple, satisfying and hearty bean casserole

 is the perfect weeknight dinner for little people.

(Particularly if they have had a busy day!)

The best thing about this recipe, is that it is fast to prepare

and there is very little washing up!

And it is great for Big People, served on toast for breakfast the next day!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4 to 6 Little People)

Oil Spray

8 Chipolata Sausages

1/2 Onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 Garlic Cloves, peeled and finely chopped

1 Medium Potato, peeled and cut into small cubes

1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, gives a lovely smoky flavour)

1 Small Tin of Sweet Corn Kernels, drained (optional)

1 Tin of Tomatoes (finely chopped)
1/3 Cup Beef or Vegetable Stock

Pinch of Brown Sugar

1 Tin of Cannellini Beans, drained 

Salt and Pepper

Toast Fingers or Pasta, to serve

Grated Cheese, to serve

METHOD

Heat a lidded fry pan over a medium to high heat. Spray lightly with oil spray and fry the sausages for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently until browned all over. Remove from the pan, and set aside. (if you wish, cut the sausage into bite size pieces )

Drain any excess oil from the pan then add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until onion has softened.

Add in the potato and paprika and cook for 4-5 minutes.

Pour in the tomatoes, stock and sweet corn, and add a pinch of sugar.

Combine all ingredients and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and return the sausage to the pan, along with the cannellini beans.

Cover with a lid and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes.

(Alternatively, add the sausages and beans to the tomato mixture, then tip everything into a casserole dish, and bake in a 200 degree Celsius oven. Covered for 25 minutes, uncovered for 10 minutes)

Season to taste, and serve with toast fingers or cooked pasta with a sprinkle of grated cheese.