Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out, look no further! This smoked sausage and bean stew with Ditalini pasta is a perfect blend of spices and ingredients that create a comforting meal. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to make this delicious dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
10 ounces Ditalini pasta (or any small pasta), cooked according to package directions
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
½ cup spicy pepperoncini peppers, seeded and chopped
¼ cup juice from pepperoncini jar
¼ cup green salsa verde sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
2-3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
15 ounces black beans
15 ounces spicy pinto beans (or any available beans)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3-4 hours in a slow cooker
Total Time: 3-4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 people
This smoked sausage and bean stew is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl garnished with sour cream and fresh green onions for an extra kick, and share it with family and friends for a delightful dining experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown on both sides; cooking through is not necessary. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, combine the browned sausage and garlic with the remaining ingredients: chicken broth, chopped pepperoncini peppers, pepperoncini juice, green salsa verde sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, sriracha, red pepper flakes, black beans, and spicy pinto beans. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Before serving, stir in the cooked Ditalini pasta.
Step 5: Optional Garnish
If desired, garnish with sour cream and fresh green onions before serving.
Notes
Ingredient Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of chicken broth for a thicker or thinner consistency based on your preference.
Spice Level
The use of spicy pepperoncini, sriracha, and red pepper flakes adds heat; adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Bean Varieties
You can substitute the spicy pinto beans with any other beans you have on hand for a different flavor profile or texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Pan-searing sausage
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the sliced smoked sausage until both sides are golden. This enhances the sausage’s flavor and adds texture.
Chopping garlic
Finely chop garlic cloves to release their aromatic oils. Cooking them briefly in oil allows the flavor to infuse the dish without burning them.
Combining in a slow cooker
After browning the sausage, combine it with remaining ingredients in a slow cooker for even distribution of flavors. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed.
Cooking on low
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking melds the flavors together for a rich and hearty dish.
Incorporating pasta
Before serving, stir in the cooked Ditalini pasta to ensure it’s evenly distributed without overcooking it.
Optional garnishing
Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing with sour cream and fresh green onions before serving.
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Ditalini pasta with any small pasta you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a substitute for smoked sausage?
You can use any type of cooked sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more sriracha or spicy peppers for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the heat and richness.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish combines the smoky richness of sausage with the zing of spicy ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of Ditalini pasta adds a delightful texture, making it a hearty option for dinner. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Sausage and Bean Chili
Replace Ditalini pasta with kidney beans for a thicker chili texture. Increase the amount of chili powder and sriracha for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Version
Omit the smoked sausage and substitute with diced bell peppers and corn. Increase the spices to maintain the flavor profile.
Pasta Salad Variation
Use the same ingredients but mix them into a cold pasta salad. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a refreshing twist.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the mixture as a filling for bell peppers. Bake them until tender for a delicious stuffed pepper meal.
One-Pot Skillet Meal
Prepare everything in a large skillet instead of a slow cooker. Cook the pasta in the broth to absorb more flavor and create a creamy, hearty dish.
