Bean Sausage
A hearty vegetarian sausage made from cooked beans, seasoned with sage, coated in crumbs, and pan-fried to crispy perfection—perfect for a flavorful, meat-free meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the cooked dry beans.
- Mix the mashed beans well with the bread crumbs and beaten egg.
- Add the sage or savory seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Moisten the mixture with enough milk to hold together.
- Shape the mixture into sausage forms and roll in fine dry crumbs.
- Brown in a little hot fat, turning to form a good crust all over.
- Cook slowly for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or garlic to the bean mixture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free varieties. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the taste. To enhance the texture, you can blend some of the beans into a puree before mixing with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These bean sausages are delicious served with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Grandma Lewis' Velvet Salad for a balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with a homemade dipping sauce or alongside roasted vegetables. Consider using them as a filling in a sandwich or wrap for a tasty lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sausages in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, turning occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick meal, though they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Sausage contains roughly 723 calories, with 14g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of cooked dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. Just rinse and drain them well before mashing, as this will help reduce excess moisture. Keep in mind that canned beans may have a slightly different texture than freshly cooked ones.
How can I make these sausages spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the bean mixture. You can also serve the sausages with a spicy sauce or condiment on the side for an extra kick.
Are these sausages suitable for freezing?
Yes, these bean sausages can be frozen. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven directly from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).