Hearty Sausage Rice Stew

Hearty Sausage Rice Stew Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hearty Sausage Rice Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This stew is packed with delicious ingredients like Italian sausage, eggplant, squash, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a savory broth. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe for Hearty Sausage Rice Stew has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic comfort food dish that is loved for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients, this stew has evolved into a beloved recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) hot or sweet italian sausage
0.5 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 medium yellow squash, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium green pepper, coarsely chopped
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp thyme leaves, crushed
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) Dutch oven.
Add the sausage and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the meat and discard the water.
Cut the meat into 0.5-inch pieces and brown them in the Dutch oven.
Remove the meat and keep it warm.
Pour off the fat and return 2 tbsp.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender-crisp.
Stir in the broth, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, green pepper, salt, thyme, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Combine the cornstarch with water and stir it into the vegetables along with the sausage.
Cook, stirring, until the sauce is clear and thickened.
Serve over beds of fluffy rice.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with tofu or tempeh.
Add in some diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
For a smokier flavor, try using smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the sausage pieces before adding them to the stew to enhance their flavor.

- For a spicier stew, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the stew allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken or turkey sausage.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for ones you enjoy more, such as mushrooms or spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

420 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the sausage.

Summary

This Hearty Sausage Rice Stew is a well-balanced meal that is high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for dinner.

Summary

Hearty Sausage Rice Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavorful ingredients and served over fluffy rice, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hearty Sausage Rice Stew. It was a cold winter day, and I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for our weekly recipe exchange. Margaret was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to learning new dishes from her.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of simmering spices and savory sausage. Margaret had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a tattered old recipe card, telling me it was her grandmother's special recipe for Hearty Sausage Rice Stew.

I eagerly took the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for Italian sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes, rice, and a blend of herbs and spices. It seemed simple enough, but I could tell from the list of ingredients that this stew was going to be bursting with flavor.

Margaret explained that her grandmother had learned to make this stew from an Italian neighbor who had immigrated to the United States many years ago. She said that the key to the stew's deliciousness was the slow simmering of the sausage and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

I couldn't wait to try making it myself, so I thanked Margaret profusely and headed home to give it a shot. As I gathered all the ingredients and started chopping the peppers and onions, I couldn't help but think about the history behind this recipe. I imagined Margaret's grandmother standing in her own kitchen, learning from her neighbor and passing down the recipe through the generations.

Once everything was prepped and ready to go, I heated up a large pot and browned the Italian sausage, letting it cook until it was beautifully caramelized. The smell that filled my kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering, and I knew this stew was going to be something special.

Next, I added in the peppers, onions, and garlic, letting them sauté until they were soft and fragrant. I then poured in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. I sprinkled in a blend of Italian herbs and spices, along with a generous pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

As the stew bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The flavors were rich and bold, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and spiciness from the sausage. I knew this was going to be a hit with my family.

Finally, I added in the rice and let it cook until it was tender and fluffy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the stew. As I ladled the steaming hot stew into bowls and garnished them with fresh parsley, I couldn't wait to sit down and savor the fruits of my labor.

When my family sat down to dinner that night, they couldn't stop raving about the Hearty Sausage Rice Stew. My husband even declared it the best stew he had ever tasted, and my kids asked for seconds and thirds. I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe with such a rich history and tradition.

From that day on, Hearty Sausage Rice Stew became a regular staple in our household. It was a comforting and satisfying dish that never failed to bring us together around the dinner table. And every time I made it, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their cherished recipe.

As I continued to collect and create new recipes over the years, Hearty Sausage Rice Stew remained a favorite among my family and friends. It had become a part of our own culinary tradition, passed down from one generation to the next. And every time I made it, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of pride in preserving a piece of history through the simple act of cooking.