Hearty Smoked Sausage and Bean Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of this hearty smoked sausage and bean stew that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. This recipe combines smoky sausage and creamy beans in a savory broth seasoned with aromatic spices, making it ideal for any cozy gathering. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, this dish simmers gently in your slow cooker, filling your home with irresistible aromas to whet your appetite.
6-8 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (minced)
red bell peppers
2 (stemmed, seeded, and minced)
chili powder
1/4 cup (none)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
5 (minced (2.5 tsp pre-minced))
ground cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
low sodium chicken broth
3 cups (none)
dried navy beans
1 lb (picked over and rinsed)
kielbasa
1 lb (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
andouille sausages
8 ounces (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
minced canned chipotle chile in adobo
1 tablespoon (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (Wright's all-natural Hickory Seasoning recommended)
bay leaves
2 (none)
scallions
3 (sliced thin)
Instructions
1
Begin by microwaving the onions, red bell peppers, chili powder, vegetable oil, garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir periodically until the vegetables are soft and well combined, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.
2
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the salt, pepper, and scallions, into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 11 hours or on high for 5 to 7 hours until the beans are tender.
3
Once cooked, allow the stew to settle for about 5 minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the surface with a large spoon. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
4
Optional: Transfer about 1 cup of the cooked beans to a separate bowl and mash them smooth using a potato masher. Stir the mashed beans back into the stew, which helps to thicken it. Allow the stew to sit until the mashed beans are heated through, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Season the stew with salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Smoked Sausage and Bean Stew.
How many servings does this stew yield?
This recipe makes 6-8 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried navy beans, picked over and rinsed.
What types of sausage are included?
It uses 1 lb of kielbasa and 8 ounces of andouille sausages.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, the stew is designed to be prepared in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
It takes between 9 to 11 hours on low.
What is the cooking time for the high setting?
It takes between 5 to 7 hours on high.
Why do I need to microwave the vegetables first?
Microwaving the onions, peppers, and spices for 5 minutes softens them and helps develop the flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
How can I make the stew thicker?
You can transfer about 1 cup of cooked beans to a bowl, mash them smooth, and stir them back into the stew.
What should I do with the bay leaves?
The bay leaves should be removed and discarded after the cooking process is complete.
What is the suggested garnish?
The stew is garnished with 3 thinly sliced scallions.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced onions.
What kind of broth is recommended?
3 cups of low sodium chicken broth are recommended.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 5 minced garlic cloves, which is approximately 2.5 teaspoons.
What spices provide the flavor profile?
The aromatic spices include 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano.
Is there a specific liquid smoke brand suggested?
Yes, Wright's all-natural Hickory Seasoning is recommended.
How do I handle the excess fat in the stew?
After cooking, allow the stew to settle for 5 minutes and then skim off the excess fat from the surface with a large spoon.
What is the size of the kielbasa slices?
The kielbasa should be sliced 1/2 inch thick.
How much chipotle chile is added?
One tablespoon of minced canned chipotle chile in adobo is used for a smoky kick.
Does the recipe use soy sauce?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce.
Why is brown sugar included?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is added to help balance the savory and smoky flavors.
What type of bell peppers are used?
The recipe calls for 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and minced.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste only after the stew has finished cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy to prepare dish with minimal effort.
How large should the andouille sausage pieces be?
The andouille sausages should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
What oil is used for the vegetable prep?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Can I use a potato masher for this recipe?
Yes, a potato masher is used if you choose to mash a cup of beans to thicken the stew.
How long should the stew sit after stirring back the mashed beans?
Allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes until the mashed beans are heated through.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include stew, smoked sausage, comfort food, slow cooker, and one-pot meal.