Imagine a rustic Italian kitchen, where the aroma of simmering sausage and fresh vegetables fills the air, transporting you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This mouthwatering Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Stew is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and comfort your soul. In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Tuscan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced carrots, 2 cubed potatoes, 1 can of cannellini beans, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1 tsp of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot, along with the dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- After 30 minutes, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon to create a creamier texture.
- Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen even further.
- Serve the Tuscan sausage and vegetable stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the most authentic flavor—look for options with herbs like fennel or red pepper flakes.
- Don't rush the browning of the sausage; this step builds deep, rich flavor foundations for your stew.
- For extra creaminess, gently mash some of the potatoes against the pot's side during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld and develop.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- Serve with crusty bread or over creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make an excellent garnish and add a bright finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
