Rustic Chicken and White Bean Stew: A Hearty Delight with a Touch of Andouille Sausage

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When it comes to comforting meals, few things can match the warmth and satisfaction of a well-made stew. The simmering pot of flavors, tender ingredients, and aromatic spices create a symphony of taste that warms both the body and soul. One such delightful recipe is the Rustic Chicken and White Bean Stew. In this blog post, we will explore the key features of this delectable dish and provide some helpful tips to customize it to your liking. Plus, we’ll introduce an exciting ingredient that adds a touch of smoky, spicy goodness – the Andouille sausage.

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Understanding the Distinction: Stew vs Soup

Before we delve into the details of the Rustic Chicken and White Bean Stew, let’s take a moment to appreciate the difference between a soup and a stew. While both dishes offer a comforting experience, the primary distinction lies in the amount of liquid used during preparation. Soups tend to have a higher liquid content, resulting in a more brothy consistency, whereas stews have less liquid, creating a thicker, heartier texture.

Stretching Your Budget

One of the beauties of the Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to make your grocery budget go a little further, you can easily transform this stew into a soup. Simply double the amount of broth called for in the recipe or use a combination of broth and water to stretch the liquid base. To elevate the nutritional value, consider adding some chopped greens, such as spinach, kale, or escarole. These additions not only enhance the flavors but also make for a rich and satisfying soup.

Introducing Andouille Sausage

Now, let’s talk about the star ingredient that adds a distinctive twist to our Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew – the Andouille sausage. Originating from Louisiana, this smoky and spicy sausage infuses the stew with a depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste profile. Andouille sausage is traditionally made with smoked pork, garlic, onions, and a combination of seasonings that include paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Its robust and slightly spicy nature pairs exceptionally well with the tender chicken and creamy white beans, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Cooking the Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew

To prepare this delightful stew, begin by browning the Andouille sausage in a large pot to release its flavors and render some of the smoky fat. Once the sausage is nicely browned, set it aside and use the rendered fat to sauté the onions, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. This process helps build the foundation of the stew and enhances the overall taste.

Next, add the diced chicken and cook until it turns golden brown, infusing the meat with the flavors from the sausage and aromatics. As the chicken cooks, the kitchen will be filled with enticing scents, promising a truly satisfying meal.

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the white beans, broth (or broth-water mixture), and any additional vegetables you desire. The stew should then be allowed to simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender and delicious. The result will be a hearty, rustic stew that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a nourishing meal.

Enjoy!

The Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew offers a wholesome and satisfying dining experience. By understanding the distinction between soups and stews, you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, either by increasing the liquid to create a comforting soup or reducing it for a heartier stew. Additionally, the inclusion of Andouille sausage adds a delightful smoky and spicy element that takes this stew to new heights of flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread, this rustic dish is sure to warm your body and soul, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew: A Hearty Delight with a Touch of Andouille Sausage

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: SoupsCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Ingredients

• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided

• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large stalks celery, sliced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced and cut into half rounds

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 3-oz. Cajun andouille sausage, sliced

• 3 c. chicken broth

• 2 T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 2 t. dried)

• 1 T. fresh thyme leaves (or 1 t. dried)

• 2 whole bay leaves

• 1 29-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 3 T. fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

•  Add one-tablespoon olive oil to a large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
• Add the chicken thighs, sliced sausage, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
• Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken pulls apart easily with two forks.
• Add the cannellini beans and stir to combine. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes, or just until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley right before serving. Enjoy! 

Try also: Boneless Pork Chops with Wild Rice Pilaf

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