B.I.T Rustic Italian Sausage and String Bean Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1/2        pounds B.I.T Rustic Italian Sausage Links (2) Hot
1/2        pounds B.I.T Rustic Italian Sausage Links (2) Mild
1 1/2     pounds fresh green beans
1 1/2     cups regular black olive or italian oil cured
1/4 cup sweet onions
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon of hot red pepper seeds to taste (optional)

Dressing:
2 - 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus a little more if needed
1/4  up white balsamic vinegar, plus a little more if needed

Preparation:
Clean green beans, removing the ends and rinse and let drain in a colander. Peel and thinly slice the sweet onion. Mince the garlic clove and wash and slice the cherry tomatoes in half. 

To make dressing, combine all ingredients in a small metal bowl.  Whisk together well and set aside.

Directions:

Heat medium size saute pan over medium high heat, add olive oil and sausage links.  Brown each side, 3-5 minutes, turning only once.  Do not pierce or prick as that will release the juices and dry out the sausage. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes depending on the intensity of the range. Once cooked, remove pan from burner and set aside near stove to keep warm (do not cover). 

Place green beans in a medium size sauce pan and fill with cold water just enough to cover the beans. Add kosher salt to water until it tastes salty like the sea.  Cover the pan and bring to a boil.  Once water begins to boil remove the cover and let the beans cook until tender. Don't over cook the beans. Drain in a colander immediately and let stand a few minutes. Remove from the colander and place the warm  beans in a large serving bowl. 

Add the olives, onions, tomatoes to the large serving bowl with the beans and gently combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Slice the sausage links into 1/4" rounds. Add the sausage slices to the bean mixture and toss together. Whisk dressing again and drizzle it over top of the bean and sausage mixture. Toss again until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot or room temperature.

Original B.I.T Recipe: B.I.T Rustic Italian Sausage Pasta Salad with Orecchiette, Roasted Red Peppers and Arugula

Courtesy of Chef Bertha Teresa Thomas
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