Get ready to warm up your kitchen and tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that screams autumn! This Hearty Fall Vegetable and Sausage Stew is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a steaming pot of rich, savory goodness packed with tender sausage, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs that will transport you to a cozy countryside kitchen with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This will ensure you have everything you need at hand while cooking.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them in and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to begin softening.
- Now, add the chopped zucchini to the pot along with the cooked sausage. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor. This will also help to deglaze the pot.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- After 30 minutes, check the stew for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If the stew is too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined, remove the pot from heat. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve the hearty fall vegetable and sausage stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your warm and comforting meal!
Tips
- • Choose high-quality sausage for maximum flavor—Italian or spicy varieties work best • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking • Don't rush the sautéing process; letting ingredients caramelize builds deeper flavor • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for more consistent heat distribution • For extra richness, consider deglazing with a splash of white wine before adding broth • Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a bright, fresh finish • This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
