| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 5g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 5g | 15g | 1.23g |
When I first came across the recipe for Rapini, Potato and Sausage Stew, it was love at first bite. There was something nostalgic about the hearty combination of vegetables and meat. The stew, which mirrors a classic European style, is absolutely loaded with nutrients and health benefits all packed into one pot. It’s initially spicy from the red pepper flakes, aromatic with garlic, and offers a touch of bitterness from the rapini, which is balanced out by the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Picture it – a chunky and hearty stew sitting on your dinner table, in the heart of Nebraska or wherever in the world you may have ladled this out. Give it a try and you’ll see for yourself. It’s classic comfort food, a testament to the culinary treasures the Midwest has to offer.
A Spoonful of Health
It’s not just the mouth-watering flavors that have me hooked, it’s also the wealth of nutritional benefits this stew provides. Rapini, also known as broccoli raab, is a dark green vegetable full of vitamins K, A, and C. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps to keep you feeling satisfied for longer. The potatoes, a classic staple of Midwestern cooking, bring potassium and vitamin C to the stew. Additionally, the sweet Italian sausage adds protein, which is essential for repairing body tissues and maintaining a healthy immune system. Check out this article from Healthline, exploring the importance of potatoes in our diet.
Pairings and Similars
This stew pairs brilliantly with a nice slice of crusty bread or a homemade corn bread muffin to soak up the flavorful broth. It makes a heart-warming dinner on its own, or as a rustic starter to a larger spread. For wine enthusiasts, you’d be pleased to know this pairs well with a good Pinot Noir.
In terms of similar dishes, if you’re a fan of Italian Wedding Soup or Minestrone, the Rapini, Potato, and Sausage Stew offers a similar satisfaction. The key to cooking this stew is much like the strategy behind those classic dishes, which is layering the flavors and letting them simmer together into something beautiful. If you enjoyed this, you might also want to try Authentic Portuguese Kale Soup from Allrecipes, which has similar ingredients and flavor profile.
Ultimately, what I love most about this recipe is its blend of simplicity and depth. It’s not complicated to prepare, but each spoonful carries a depth of flavor that can only come from quality ingredients cooked with passion. It’s a stew that warms you from the inside out, much like home in the heartland of Nebraska.
What You’ll Need
- 2 bunches of rapini (broccoli raab)
- 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage
- 2 large potatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by thoroughly washing the rapini. Then, cut off the bottom of the stems and roughly chop it. Set this aside for later.
Step Two
In a large pot, add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cook over medium heat. Continue until it is fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step Three
Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add the olive oil to the same pot the sausage was cooked in and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the potatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook this until the potatoes start to become golden and the garlic is fragely.
Step Four
Next, add the chopped rapini to the pot. Try to mix it with the potatoes and garlic, seasoning it with some salt and pepper. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot and mix everything together.
Step Five
Pour in the chicken broth to the pot and let it come to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the rapini is cooked to your liking.
Step Six
The Rapini, Potato and Sausage Stew is now ready to be served. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This hearty stew is best enjoyed with some crusty bread on a cold day. Enjoy!
