Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Stew with white beans, rainbow chard, and savory vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring tender sausages browned to perfection and enriched with garlic and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced and quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 stalks rainbow chard, ribs removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 18 ounces mild Italian sausage, casings removed (6 links)
Liquids & Broth
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
Beans
- 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 the vegetables have softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Brown sausage: Add the mild Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until it is nicely browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. If there is excess fat, drain it to keep the stew from becoming too greasy.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the ribs-removed rainbow chard. Let the stew simmer until the chard wilts, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Complement the meal by topping with Parmesan flakes and offering crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or spinach if rainbow chard is unavailable.
- For a spicier stew, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Using reduced sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content, but adjust seasoning to taste.
- Parmesan flakes add a nice finishing touch; omit for a lower fat option.
- This stew can be reheated and often tastes even better the next day.
