Hearty Rustic Vegetable and Sausage Stew
Warm up your kitchen with this Hearty Rustic Vegetable and Sausage Stew that combines a medley of vegetables and savory sausage in a tomato-based broth. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this stew not only nourishes the body but also delights the senses with its rich flavors and vibrant colors. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy the delectable combination of fresh herbs, tender vegetables, and hearty sausage, making it a fulfilling meal for any occasion. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrots
2 cups (sliced into 1/4-inch pieces)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
celery
1 cup (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
sausage links
1 lb (cut into 2-inch pieces)
cabbage
4 cups (shredded)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
apple juice
1 cup (none)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (none)
whole tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (none)
tomato soup
10 3/4 ounces (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the sliced carrots, chopped onion, sliced celery, and sausage pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender-crisp, approximately 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, in a separate large pot, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped parsley, apple juice, tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, bay leaf, salt, thyme, and black pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through, about 15 minutes.
3
Once the sausage and vegetable mixture is cooked, stir it into the pot with the tomato mixture. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
4
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked grains for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Rustic Vegetable and Sausage Stew?
It is a comforting, tomato-based stew filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use any sausage links you prefer, such as Italian, bratwurst, or smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and ensure the tomato soup used is vegetable-based.
How long does it take to brown the sausage and vegetables?
It takes about 8 to 10 minutes in a large skillet over medium heat until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender-crisp.
What are the main vegetables in this stew?
The stew features carrots, onion, celery, and a generous 4 cups of shredded cabbage.
Why is apple juice included in the recipe?
Apple juice adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomato-based broth.
What types of tomato products are needed?
You will need tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, and a can of tomato soup for the base.
Should I drain the fat from the skillet?
Yes, after browning the sausage and vegetables, you should drain any excess fat before adding them to the pot.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced into 1/4-inch pieces for even cooking.
How long should the tomato mixture cook before adding the meat?
The cabbage and tomato mixture should be heated through over low heat for about 15 minutes.
What is the final simmering time for the stew?
After combining all ingredients, simmer the stew for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley, a bay leaf, and dried thyme leaves.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, always remove the bay leaf before serving the stew.
What can I serve with this rustic stew?
It is best served hot with a slice of crusty bread or over cooked grains like rice or barley.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, although the instructions are for the stovetop, you can brown the meat first and then combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
How much cabbage is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of shredded cabbage.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh thyme, but remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is classified under easy recipes and follows a simple two-pot preparation method.
How should the celery be cut?
The celery should be sliced into 1/2-inch pieces.
What size are the sausage pieces?
The sausage links should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce container of tomato sauce.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is this a spicy stew?
The base recipe is not spicy, but the heat level will depend on the type of sausage you choose.
What size should the whole tomatoes be?
The recipe specifies a 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes, adding diced potatoes is a great way to make the stew even heartier; just ensure they simmer until tender.
What is the amount of salt and pepper needed?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much fresh parsley should I use?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Does the stew thicken as it cooks?
Yes, the 30-minute simmering phase helps the stew reach a thicker, heartier consistency.