Hearty Organic Sausage and Vegetable Stew with Black Beans
A warming, protein-packed stew featuring organic sausage, tender vegetables, and hearty black and kidney beans in a savory herb-seasoned broth. The combination of Italian seasoning and chili powder creates a unique flavor profile that bridges comfort food and international tastes. Perfect for cold weather meals or feeding a crowd, this one-pot wonder simmers slowly to develop rich, satisfying flavors. Fresh spinach can be stirred in at serving for added nutrition and color.
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (I used an oregano blend)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- pinch of both sea salt and peppercorn (use according to your preference)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 -4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 -3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ½ cans chicken broth, reduced sodium
- 1 cup water (or more, if needed)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 lb organic sausage (I used Irish Bangers from Earthfare)turkey sausage1:1low-fat
lighter flavor
- 1 handful of spinach
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil
- 2
Add garlic and let season for a few minutes, then add onions
- 3
Sprinkle seasonings over onions along with salt and pepper, cook onions for 10-15 minutes
- 4
Add celery and carrots, cook for a few minutes
- 5
Add broth, water, beans, and tomatoes, increase heat and bring to simmer
- 6
Meanwhile, cook sausage in separate pan over medium heat until browned
- 7
Remove sausage from pan, chop to desired size, and add to stew
- 8
Let stew cook on medium heat for 1-2 hours
- 9
Add spinach to individual bowls and let wilt from hot stew if desired
Tips
Brown the sausage well in a separate pan to develop deeper flavor before adding to the stew.
Add more water during cooking if the stew becomes too thick for your preference.
Fresh spinach wilts perfectly when added directly to hot serving bowls.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in covered container
Can be made 1-2 days ahead, flavors improve with time
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread
Common Mistakes
Brown sausage in separate pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning
Don't rush the onion cooking step to build proper flavor base
Substitutions
lighter flavor
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, but add them later in cooking process as they release more water and cook faster than fresh vegetables.
How long will this stew keep in the refrigerator?
The stew will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated in a covered container and actually tastes better the next day.
Can I freeze this stew for later?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers, though beans may become slightly softer after thawing.