Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage
Embrace the cozy essence of comfort food with this Ultimate Harvest Stew featuring a hearty combination of smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package beef smoked sausage (12-ounce), sliced into circles
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
Vegetables
- 2 medium-large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium-large parsnips, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 6 baby yellow potatoes, cubed (skin on)
- ½ pound (8 ounces) butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Broth
- 6 cups chicken or beef stock can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by prepping all your ingredients: dice the onion, press the garlic, chop the vegetables, and slice the sausage.
Cooking the Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Let it caramelize and brown on one side for about 3–4 minutes, then stir to brown the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
Adding Aromatics
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are lightly golden. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Incorporate the pressed garlic and stir.
Incorporating Vegetables
- Add the diced carrots, parsnips, celery, cubed potatoes, and butternut squash to the pot, mixing well.
Adding Stock
- Pour in the stock and bring the stew to a gentle boil.
Simmering
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the stew to simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Final Seasoning
- Check the stew for seasoning and adjust with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Adding Greens
- Turn off the heat, and stir in the chopped kale and parsley until the kale wilts slightly.
Serving
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
This stew is perfect for leftovers and tastes even better the next day. It's also versatile - feel free to swap the sausages or vegetables based on your preference.