Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew with Kale (Crock Pot Version)
It's cozy, flavorful, and perfect for using up those canned tomatoes and chicken sausage. You can adjust the spice level to your taste, and it’ll come together in under an hour. A crock pot version will make the flavors even richer and it's super convenient. Here’s the Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew recipe tailored for a crock pot:
1can (28 oz)Peeled plum tomatoescrushed by hand or blended
3-4 chicken sausages(spicy or mild, depending on your preference), sliced
1medium oniondiced
4garlic clovesminced
3carrotspeeled and chopped
1zucchinichopped
1Bell Pepperchopped
1cupchicken or vegetable broth
1tspdried oregano
1tspdried basil
1/2tspsmoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1Tbsolive oil
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
2cupsfresh kaleroughly chopped (stems removed)
Instructions
Pre-Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you're in a rush.
Prepare the Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother stew, lightly blend the peeled plum tomatoes. You can also crush them by hand for a chunkier texture.
Add Everything to the Crock Pot: In the crock pot, combine the cooked sausage, tomatoes, diced onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything well.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add the Kale: About 30 minutes before the stew is done cooking, stir in the chopped kale. Let it cook down until it's tender but still vibrant green.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Notes
This hearty, slow-cooked stew will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas, and it's great for leftovers too.