🇮🇹 Italian · Side Dish
🫘 Fagioli all'Uccelletto
Fagioli all'Uccelletto
Tuscan white cannellini beans simmered gently in tomato, sage, and garlic, a simple, beloved side dish whose name references the small game birds it was traditionally cooked alongside.
Despite the name meaning 'little birds,' this classic Tuscan side contains no meat at all -- the name references the sage and garlic seasoning traditionally also used for actual small roasted birds, since the flavors pair so naturally.
Ingredients
Equipment: Large sauté pan
- 400 g (2 cups) cooked cannellini beans (or 2 cans, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 300 g (10.5 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
Method
- Warm the olive oil in a large pan and gently sauté the garlic and sage until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans and a splash of water if needed, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra olive oil.
Chef Tips
- Cooking dried beans from scratch, rather than using canned, gives a creamier texture and more flavorful result if time allows.
- Sage and garlic infused gently in the oil at the start builds the base flavor for the whole dish.
- This side dish pairs beautifully with simply grilled meats or sausages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the garlic while infusing the oil, which turns bitter rather than fragrant.
- Overcooking the beans until they turn mushy rather than staying intact and creamy.
- Making the sauce too thin -- this dish should be substantial rather than watery.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant protein and fiber.
Cultural Note
Fagioli all'uccelletto is a Tuscan classic, its sage-and-garlic seasoning historically shared with small roasted game birds, giving the humble bean dish its curious name.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; flavor improves the next day.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Serve with: Grilled sausages or meats, Crusty bread