Sausage Stew

This hearty stew of smoked sausage and beans is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich flavors and warming qualities, it is the perfect dish to fill you up and keep you cozy. The combination of smoked turkey kielbasa, great northern beans, and an array of vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying stew that will delight your taste buds. Pair it with a slice of freshly baked dark bread, and you have a complete and nourishing meal.

The foundation of this stew begins with sautéed onions and thinly sliced turkey kielbasa. The onions become soft and caramelized, infusing the stew with their savory sweetness, while the smoked turkey kielbasa adds a depth of smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The great northern beans provide a creamy and substantial texture, making this stew both filling and satisfying.

To enhance the flavors further, the stew incorporates a combination of no-salt-added tomato sauce, diced green chilies, thinly sliced carrots, and chopped green bell peppers. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet element, while the diced green chilies provide a subtle kick of heat. The carrots and bell peppers contribute vibrant colors, textures, and flavors, making this stew a feast for the senses.

A harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, thyme, and black pepper elevates the taste profile of the stew, adding aromatic notes and a hint of warmth. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and delicious result. With each spoonful of this smoked sausage and bean stew, you’ll experience a comforting combination of flavors that will warm both your body and your soul.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• 1 pound (455 g) turkey kielbasa, thinly sliced
• 2 cans (15 ounces, or 425 g) no-salt-added great northern beans, undrained
• 2 cups (490 g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 4 ounces (115 g) diced green chilies
• 1 cup (130 g) thinly sliced carrots
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped green bell pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onions and turkey kielbasa in the skillet until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Transfer the sautéed onions and kielbasa to the slow cooker.
4. Add the undrained cans of great northern beans, no-salt-added tomato sauce, diced green chilies, thinly sliced carrots, chopped green bell pepper, Italian seasoning, thyme, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
5. Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the vegetables are tender.

YIELD: 8 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For added flavor, you can use smoked turkey kielbasa instead of regular turkey kielbasa. The smoky undertones will enhance the overall taste of the stew.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your slow cooker’s settings and the desired tenderness of the vegetables.

TIPS:

• Serve this smoked sausage and bean stew with a slice of freshly baked dark bread to mop up the delicious flavors and add a comforting element to the meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat individual servings on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 214 g water
• 320 calories (39% from fat, 20% from protein, 41% from carbs)
• 17 g protein
• 14 g total fat
• 4 g saturated fat
• 7 g monounsaturated fat
• 2 g polyunsaturated fat
• 33 g carbs
• 7 g fiber
• 4 g sugar
• 178 mg phosphorus
• 82 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 464 mg sodium
• 698 mg potassium
• 2944 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 32 mg vitamin C
• 40 mg cholesterol

This smoked sausage and bean stew is a comforting and hearty dish that will warm you from the inside out. With its flavorful combination of smoked turkey kielbasa, great northern beans, and an array of vegetables, it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal option. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with freshly baked dark bread, this stew is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a stew that is both rich and comforting. Make a batch of this stew to enjoy on a chilly evening or prepare it ahead of time for a convenient and delicious meal during a busy week. Either way, this smoked sausage and bean stew is a true winner in terms of flavor, simplicity, and heartiness.