Tuscan Tomato Bean and Sausage Casserole

SERVES 6, 30 MINUTES PREPARATION, 1-2 HOURS COOKING

This moreish Tomato, Bean and Sausage Casserole, served on a bed of rice and with a side of crusty bread, is a rustic delight for a tasty Tuscan feast.

Ingredients:

• 12 Pork Sausages (plain or flavour of your choice)
• 350g Rice
• 200g can of Butter Beans
• 200g can of Cannellini Beans
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• Dried Basil to taste
• 400g can of Plum Tomatoes, Sliced
• 1 Large Onion, Peeled And Sliced
• Salt And Pepper Seasoning To Taste
• Olive Oil For Frying
• Crusty Bread To Serve

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200oC/400oC F/Gas Mark 6.
2. Place the Sausages on a large baking tray and cook in the oven for 30-40 minutes until they turn a rich brown all over.
3. Whilst the sausages are cooking prepare the casserole sauce.
4. Peel and chop the Onion and Garlic and fry them gently with a drizzle of oil in a large casserole pot, until they turn a light golden brown.
5. Turn down the heat and pour in the can of Plum Tomatoes (these can be chopped in the pan).
6. Add the Cannellini and Butter beans, Dried Basil and Season to taste.
7. Allow to simmer gently on a low heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the sausages are cooked remove from the oven and place into the casserole pot and stir (these can either be whole, or chopped into small chunks).
9. Place the casserole pot with the lid on into the oven and allow to cook for 1-2 hours, until the sausages have softened.
10. Whilst the casserole cooks in the oven, pour the Rice into a large pan and cover it with boiling water.
11. Once the rice is cooked (it should be soft but not mushy), remove the casserole from the oven.
12. Serve the Tomato, Bean and Sausage Casserole on a bed of rice with a side of Crusty Bread.