Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both easy on the wallet and packed with goodness? Look no further than this delicious sausage and potato stew! This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner solution without compromising on taste or nutrition. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for those seeking easy recipes and best recipes for everyday cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your stew.
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Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the potatoes, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Return Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This hearty stew is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage and Potato Stew:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space for the vegetables and sausage to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use leftover cooked vegetables: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from other meals.
- Thicken the stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the sausage back in.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use different sausage: Try chorizo, andouille, or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- Add beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans would be a delicious addition.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This hearty sausage and potato stew is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Enjoy!