How to Make the Perfect Smoky Sausage and White Bean Stew
European · Easy · 40 min · 6 servings
This smoky sausage and white bean stew is a rustic and deeply hearty dairy free dinner that warms you from the inside out. Rich with smoky paprika and tender cannellini beans, it is a one-pot meal that tastes like it has been cooking all day.
Why this recipe works
This Smoky Sausage and White Bean Stew recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Stew Base
In the same pot, add the smoked paprika and stir it into the rendered sausage fat for 30 seconds. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Add Beans and Simmer
Add the cannellini beans and the browned sausage back to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until the broth has reduced and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Stir in the Greens
Add the chopped kale or Swiss chard to the stew and stir to submerge. Cook for 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- smoked sausage → turkey kielbasa or plant-based sausage for a lighter version
- cannellini beans → great northern beans or navy beans with similar results
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the greens too early causes them to overcook and lose their vibrant color and texture
- Using regular paprika instead of smoked paprika significantly reduces the depth of flavor in the stew
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 22g protein, 38g carbs, 22g fat, 10g fiber.
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