Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a delightful bowl of Cannellini Stew with Sausage and Kale, accompanied by irresistible cheese toasts! This hearty Italian dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly day, bursting with flavors that will leave you craving more. In just under an hour, you can create a nourishing stew that serves six, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Ready to dive into a recipe that combines savory sausage, tender kale, and creamy cheese? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 sausages, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup grated cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced sausages to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausages are lightly browned and release their flavorful oils.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add drained cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add chopped kale to the pot, stirring to incorporate. Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the kale to become tender and the flavors to develop.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- While the stew is simmering, prepare the cheese toasts. Preheat the broiler in your oven.
- Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and generously sprinkle grated cheese over each slice.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
- Remove stew from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve with the hot, cheesy toasts alongside.
Tips
- Sauté for Flavor: Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant and translucent before adding the sausages. This step builds a flavorful base for your stew.
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality sausages that are packed with flavor. Italian sausage works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties!
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer for at least 25-30 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and ensures the kale is perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to substitute it with Swiss chard or spinach for a different twist while still keeping the dish nutritious.
- Cheese Toast Perfection: Keep a close eye on the cheese toasts while broiling to prevent burning. The perfect toast should be golden brown and bubbly!
- Serve with Style: For an extra touch, garnish your stew with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Consider making a larger batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
