Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Stew with creamy white beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered to perfection. This gluten-free stovetop stew combines spicy or mild Italian sausage with nutritious beans and greens, making it a perfect main course to enjoy any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Liquids and Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Greens and Garnishes
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary to prevent the stew from becoming too oily.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, drained and rinsed white beans, and chicken broth. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Add Greens: During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach or kale if using. Allow the greens to wilt but remain vibrant in color.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the white beans before adding or blend a small portion of the stew.
- This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, or served over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
- The stew can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
