If you’re looking for a meal to keep you warm during the cold winter months, look no further than this delicious Sausage and Cannellini Bean Stew. Perfect for cozy Sunday dinners or when you need a meal that feels like a hug from the inside, this stew is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein. It’s a recipe that’s so simple, yet so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again! I first stumbled upon this recipe from @liv_life_lean and made a few tweaks to make it my own. The result? A delicious, wholesome meal that will make everyone at your table smile.
Method
Cook the Sausages and Vegetables
Start by spraying a little olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet. Heat it over medium heat, then add the plant-based sausages. Cook the sausages until they’re browned on all sides, ensuring they’re crispy on the outside. Once the sausages are browned, add the diced red onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and crushed garlic. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. This will help develop the flavors and make the base of your stew aromatic and hearty.
Add the Tomatoes, Stock, Worcestershire Sauce, and Paprika
Next, pour in the tin of tomatoes along with the vegetable stock. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and paprika to give the stew depth and a little kick of flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. The acidity from the tomatoes and the savory Worcestershire sauce will bring the dish together, and the paprika will add a subtle smokiness.
Simmer the Stew
Once the stew is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. This step is essential because it lets the flavors meld together, softens the vegetables further, and makes the sausages even more tender. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavorful your stew will be, so don’t rush this part!
Add the Cannellini Beans and Continue Simmering
After the initial 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the cannellini beans, drained from their can. Stir them in thoroughly, then cover the pan again. Let the stew simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens up. This gives the beans time to heat through and absorb the rich flavors of the broth, adding both texture and nutrition to the dish.
Stir in the Spinach and Serve
For the final step, add a generous handful of fresh spinach into the stew during the last few minutes of simmering. Stir it in gently to ensure it wilts nicely but doesn’t overcook. The spinach will give your stew a burst of color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor. Once it’s incorporated, give everything a final stir, and your delicious Sausage and Cannellini Bean Stew is ready to serve!
Necessary Tools
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Tin opener
- Knife and chopping board
- Ladle or serving spoon
Sausage and Cannellini Bean Stew A Hearty Winter Comfort
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesIngredients
1 spray of olive oil
10 Tesco Plant Chef sausages (they’re plant-based and super tasty!)
1 red onion, diced
1 carrot, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tin of tomatoes
350ml vegetable stock
1 tin of cannellini beans, drained
A handful of spinach
1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large frying pan, spray a little olive oil and cook the sausages. Once browned, add the diced onion, chopped carrot, celery, and crushed garlic. Cook until everything is soft.
- Add the tin of tomatoes, vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika to the pan. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the cannellini beans, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, or until it thickens up.
- Stir in the spinach for the last few minutes of cooking, then serve it up!
Notes
- Make sure to cook the sausages all the way through before adding the vegetables to the pan. You want them to be nice and crispy on the outside.
- When simmering the stew, don’t rush it let it cook slowly for the best flavor.
- Stir in the spinach just before serving to keep it fresh and green, rather than letting it wilt too much.
Serving Suggestions
I served mine with half a pack of wholegrain rice and a side of peas for a complete meal. But feel free to get creative! You could also serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or even a side salad to balance things out. For a more filling option, try pairing it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Fun Fact
Cannellini beans are not just tasty they’re packed with protein and fiber! They’re great for supporting heart health and digestion, making this stew not only comforting but also a healthy choice.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Cannellini Bean Stew is perfect for those chilly days when you need a warming meal that’s full of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or making extra for leftovers, this stew will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite!
