White Bean and Sausage Stew Recipe

Warm, hearty, and full of rustic flavors, White Bean and Sausage Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights or whenever you crave something wholesome. This one-pot recipe combines the creamy richness of white beans with the smoky savoriness of sausage, enhanced by aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables. It’s simple, satisfying, and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Serve it with crusty bread for a meal that’s both cozy and flavorful!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 pound sausage (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or plant-based sausage), sliced or crumbled
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern beans), rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan for a plant-based option)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the sausage.
2. If using raw sausage, cook until browned and crumbled. If using pre-cooked sausage, sauté until lightly browned (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 3: Add Spices and Build the Stew

1. Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and white beans. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.

Step 5: Add Greens and Final Touches

1. Stir in the kale or spinach and let it wilt into the stew (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve with warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve the stew hot as a main dish, paired with bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Helpful Notes

• Sausage Options: Use sweet Italian sausage for mild flavor, spicy sausage for a kick, or plant-based sausage for a vegan-friendly version.
• Bean Choices: Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans work best for this recipe. If using dried beans, soak and cook them in advance.
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes for additional texture and flavor.
• Herb Substitutions: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for simplicity.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten: “For deeper flavor, brown the sausage thoroughly and deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.”
• Chef Rachael Ray: “Crusty bread is a must for soaking up the juices! Lightly toast it with olive oil for an extra treat.”
• Chef Yotam Ottolenghi: “Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil at the end brightens the dish and enhances its flavors.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
   Yes! Soak 1 1/2 cups of dried beans overnight, then cook until tender before using in the recipe.
2. What type of sausage works best?
   Sweet or spicy Italian sausage, smoked kielbasa, or chorizo are great options.
3. Can I make this stew vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version.
4. Can I substitute kale or spinach?
   Yes, Swiss chard or collard greens work well.
5. How can I make the stew thicker?
   Mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the stew, or let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and broth.
7. What can I use instead of diced tomatoes?
   Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce are good alternatives.
8. Can I add pasta or grains?
   Definitely! Small pasta shapes, rice, or farro can make the stew even heartier.
9. How do I store leftovers?
   Cool the stew completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes. Sauté the sausage and vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.