Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring mild Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy white beans simmered together in a savory broth with rainbow chard, this stew is both satisfying and nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for a weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced and quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks rainbow chard, ribs removed
Protein
- 18 ounces mild Italian sausage, casings removed (about 6 links)
Liquids
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
Canned Goods
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or other), rinsed and drained
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced and quartered carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Browns sausage: Add the sausage to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until browned on all sides, ensuring it is cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the pot.
- Simmer stew: Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the prepared rainbow chard. Let the stew simmer gently until the chard wilts, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls while hot. For an extra touch of flavor, top with Parmesan flakes and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- This stew can be made ahead and reheated; the flavors develop even more after resting overnight.
- Substitute kale or spinach if rainbow chard is unavailable.
- Pair with a light Italian red wine for a complete meal experience.
