Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring mild Italian sausage, tender white beans, and fresh rainbow chard simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this stew combines aromatic vegetables and protein-rich ingredients, making it both delicious and nutritious.
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 (6 links)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or other), rinsed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Brown sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
- Simmer: Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and the rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the ribs-removed rainbow chard and simmer until the chard is wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with Parmesan flakes and crusty bread on the side for an authentic Italian touch.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage.
- You can use canned or dried white beans; if using dried, soak and cook beforehand.
- Remove the chard ribs to avoid toughness, using only the leafy parts for best texture.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
