Description
This hearty recipe features succulent sausage fennel meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with tender butter beans. The combination of aromatic fennel seeds, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal served with crusty bread or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Meatballs
- 500 grams sausage meat
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce and Beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 cans (400g each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare skillet and accompaniments: Set a large skillet over medium heat to warm. If you plan to serve with rice or bread, start preparing those now to coordinate timing.
- Mix and form meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine sausage meat, crushed fennel seeds, 2 cloves of minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine and shape into 12–14 small meatballs.
- Sear meatballs: Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once heated, carefully add the meatballs in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
- Create sauce base: In the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir frequently until fragrant. Then, pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Simmer meatballs and beans: Return the seared meatballs to the skillet and cover. Let them simmer gently in the tomato sauce for 15 minutes. Then add the drained butter beans and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat the beans through.
- Finish with cream and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream to enrich the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the dish.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the creamy tomato butter bean meatballs into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread or cooked rice for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Lightly crushing fennel seeds helps release their flavor more effectively.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the rich sauce just before serving.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to taste during the finishing step.
- Ensure meatballs are browned evenly by turning carefully while searing to lock in juices.
- Drain and rinse canned butter beans well to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor.
