Sausage stew

Sausage Stew – A Traditional Romanian Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Sausage stew is a tasty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe will bring a touch of tradition to every plate. Start by preparing the ingredients, and then follow the detailed steps to achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g white beans, large
- 4-5 smoked sausages (choose quality sausages, preferably pork)
- ½ red bell pepper
- ½ green bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small onion, dry
- 2 green onions
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100 ml oil
- Salt, seasoning, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme
- Fresh dill and parsley for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the beans
Start by washing the white beans well under running water. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak overnight. This not only reduces cooking time but also aids in the digestion of the beans.

Step 2: Cooking the beans
The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with hot water so that the beans are completely covered. Boil the beans over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until they become soft but not completely mushy.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
While the beans are boiling, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the dry onion, and dice the carrot and peppers. You can slice the green onions into rounds. These will add extra flavor and color to the dish.

Step 4: Cooking the sausages and vegetables
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the dry onion and sauté until golden. Then, add the carrot, red pepper, and green pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. Add the sliced sausages and continue to cook until they are lightly browned.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
After the beans are boiled, drain them and add them over the vegetables with sausages. Integrate the tomato paste, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and thyme. Mix well, then add hot water until the ingredients are covered. Let it simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Finishing the dish
Finally, add the chopped green onions and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Check the taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you desire a more intense flavor, you can also add a few bay leaves or a pinch of chili pepper.

Serving and suggestions
Sausage stew is served hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped dill and parsley. It is delicious alongside creamy polenta or a slice of fresh homemade bread. You can add a summer salad for a fresh contrast.

Vegetarian option
If you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option, you can replace the sausages with mushrooms, which will add an interesting texture and umami flavor. You can also experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to diversify the recipe.

This sausage stew recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make, perfect for a family meal. Give it a try and enjoy the traditional Romanian flavors!