Potato stew with sausages

Potato Stew with Sausages

If you're looking for a simple, hearty dish full of flavor, potato stew with sausages is the perfect choice! This dish is true comfort food, ideal for the cold season as well as for the cooler spring days. Cooking this stew is not only a pleasant activity but also an opportunity to learn basic kitchen techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will win you over!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

- 5-6 medium potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 2 large onions
- 4-6 cloves of garlic
- 2 carrots
- 200 ml tomato juice (or 2 tablespoons of tomato paste)
- 1 liter of water
- 300 g sausages (preferably smoked for a more pronounced flavor)
- Oil for sautéing
- 2 bay leaves
- A few sprigs of fresh or dried thyme
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping the vegetables. Wash the potatoes well and cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will allow for even cooking. Slice the carrots into thin rounds for quicker cooking. Chop the onion finely, and crush the garlic lightly with the knife blade, then chop it finely. This step is important as it will release the garlic's intense aroma.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently, being careful not to burn them, for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add a cup of water to help cook the vegetables and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Adding the potatoes and carrots: Once the onion and garlic have started to release their flavors, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cover the vegetables with boiling water so they are completely submerged. Add salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

4. Finishing the stew: After the potatoes have cooked, add the tomato juice or paste. Stir well and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. This step will enhance the stew's flavor. Before turning off the heat, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

5. Preparing the sausages: In a non-stick skillet, cut the sausages into pieces about 12 cm long and score the ends in a cross shape. Sauté them in the hot skillet until they are golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Serving: On a plate, serve a generous portion of potato stew alongside the browned sausages. This combination is perfect to be served with pickles, which add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Practical Tips:

- For a vegetarian stew, you can omit the sausages and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you enjoy stronger flavors, add a few crushed fresh garlic cloves 2 minutes before turning off the heat.
- To improve the texture, you can add a tablespoon of flour before adding the water, mixing well to avoid lumps.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This potato stew with sausages provides a balanced nutritional intake. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Carrots add beta-carotene, which is beneficial for vision, while parsley is rich in antioxidants. The sausages provide protein, but it’s best to choose lower-fat options to keep the dish healthy. A serving (about 300 g) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the type of sausage used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables in the stew?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or zucchini based on your preferences.

2. How can I store the stew?
You can store the stew in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A light beer or a dry white wine pairs very well with the dish, adding a pleasant contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

Whether you're making it for a family meal or to impress friends, potato stew with sausages is a choice that won’t disappoint. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with the ingredients – every recipe can become unique, just like your story in the kitchen!