Ragout of Broccolini, Beans, Sausage and Clams

Fall has arrived just in time for a ragout of broccolini, beans, sausage and clams. The clams lend a bit of Spanish flair to this dish. I used a mild Portuguese linguica sausage but feel free to substitute a hot or mild italian sausage. Don't forget some rustic bread to dip into the delicious sauce!

Inspired by Jacques Pepin's recipe in "More Fast Food My Way"

Recipe

2 T. olive oil
6 oz. hot Italian sausage (remove casing), chopped
1/2 c. chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 small bunch broccolini (about 15 stems), chopped into 2" pieces
1 15.5-oz. can cannellini beans (I used mixed beans)
1 10-oz. can clams (or two 6.5 oz. cans)
Grated parmesan for garnish

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the sausage and brown for a few minutes. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper flake, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the broccolini, salt, and the juice from both the can of beans and clams. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove cover and stir in the beans and clams. Bring to a boil and cook for another 2 minutes, uncovered.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and some grated parmesan, with a crusty bread.

– adapted from Jacques Pépin, "More Fast Food My Way"