Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Stew

Hearty Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Stew packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables. This one-pot meal combines smoky sausage, tender kale, creamy white beans, and Italian-style crushed tomatoes for a flavorful, nutritious dinner. Perfect for weeknight cooking, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. Easy to make, low-sodium, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 14 oz fully cooked smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 4 cups coarsely chopped kale
• 28 oz can Italian-style crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 30 oz canned small white beans, rinsed and drained (two 15-oz cans)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• ½ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Shredded or shaved Parmesan, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add a little more olive oil if needed. Stir in the onion, carrots, mushrooms, celery, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add the kale: Toss in the chopped kale and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until it begins to wilt.
4. Combine the stew ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the white beans, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Spoon into bowls and garnish with shredded or shaved Parmesan.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hearty stew is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and greens. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavor from the smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and savory herbs. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot—minimal cleanup required!

---

Tips

• For deeper flavor, brown the sausage until caramelized before removing it.
• Don’t overcook the kale—it should remain slightly vibrant and tender.
• Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. You can always add more at the end.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Sausage: Swap smoked sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
• Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work just as well.
• Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens can replace kale.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat.

---

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this stew?
A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free sausage.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
• Top with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.