Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew With Butterbeans and Spinach

If you’ve ever come home after a long day and longed for a dish that wraps you in comfort like a warm blanket, look no further. This Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew, filled with rich flavors and delightful textures, will have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha while your heart sings a tune of joy. It’s the kind of stew that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, making you feel like a part-time chef and a full-time superstar.

Picture this: a cozy evening, rain tapping against your windows, the scent of garlic and thyme swirling in the air while you savor each bite of this delicious stew. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew will steal the show. Trust me, you’ll be the superhero of the dinner table, even if you’ve just thrown it together after a frantic day at work. Excited? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew:

2 tbsp olive oil – This adds a delightful richness; extra virgin is best for flavor.

1 leek – Choose a fresh, vibrant leek; it brings a sweet and mild onion flavor.

2 cloves of garlic – A must for that aromatic base; fresh garlic is always best.

handful of thyme leaves – Fresh thyme adds an earthy depth; dried works if fresh isn’t available.

150ml white wine – Use a dry white wine for acidity and brightness; it enhances the stew’s complexity.

1 jar of posh butterbeans – These creamy beans add a nice texture and are full of fiber; feel free to substitute with chickpeas.

250ml chicken stock – Homemade is best, but store-bought works fine for convenience; it adds a savory base.

200g spinach – Fresh spinach wilted into the stew brings a colorful pop and health benefits.

6 sausages – Your choice of sausage will dictate the flavor; a spicy Italian or a good-quality pork sausage are great options.

25g sourdough breadcrumbs – Added for texture; use fresh for a crunchier topping.

2 tbsp crème fraîche – This gives a velvety finish; alternatively, use heavy cream if needed.

20g parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan offers a salty, nutty flavor that complements the dish.

1 lemon – You’ll use the juice and zest to brighten the flavors; fresh lemons are best.

salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely slicing the leek and washing it thoroughly. Next, finely chop the garlic. This step sets the aromatic foundation for your stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a cast iron pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Sauté the leeks for about 10 minutes until they are softened. Then, add in the chopped garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew
Pour in the white wine, followed by the posh butterbeans and chicken stock, stirring to combine everything well. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, filling your kitchen with heavenly scents.

Step 4: Prepare the Sausages
While your stew simmers, heat a frying pan over high heat. Add the sausages, browning them for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just delightfully golden.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the browned sausages to the bean mixture along with the spinach. Let everything simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and the mixture thickens somewhat.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
In the sausage pan, still containing some fat, add the sourdough breadcrumbs and toast them for about 5 minutes until deeply golden and crunchy. Once your stew is done, stir in the crème fraîche, parmesan, and the zest and juice of half the lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the stew into serving bowls, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top, and get ready to relish each heavenly bite.

Whether you’re making this Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew for a quiet night in or for entertaining friends, it promises to be a hit. Feel free to share your culinary triumphs on social media. After all, who doesn’t love a bowl of heart-warming stew that’s just waiting to bring people together? Happy cooking!

Perfecting Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the leeks and garlic to build flavor, followed by deglazing with white wine. As the stew simmers, brown the sausages separately for a crispy texture.

Add Your Touch to Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

Feel free to swap the sausages for plant-based alternatives or add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers. Spices like smoked paprika can introduce an exciting kick.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if it thickens too much.

Using fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma, but dried thyme works in a pinch. Just adjust the quantity. Avoid overcooking the spinach; it should wilt but maintain its vibrant color. For an extra creamy finish, opt for full-fat creme fraiche.

Creating a hearty meal like this stew became a family favorite during chilly nights. My brother often requests it for his “special” get-togethers, and we laugh about how it always disappears first.

FAQs About Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

What is Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew?

Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that combines succulent sausages, tender leeks, and creamy butterbeans in a savory broth. It’s enhanced with spinach and flavors of thyme, garlic, and white wine, making it a perfect choice for cold nights. The addition of creme fraiche and parmesan brings creaminess and richness to the stew, elevating it from simple to spectacular. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a single comforting bowl.

How do I customize my Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew?

You can easily customize your Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew by swapping traditional sausages for plant-based options or even chicken or turkey sausages if you want a leaner choice. Feel free to add more veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, or even kale for additional flavor and nutrition. Spice things up with a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you enjoy a bit of heat. This flexibility allows you to make the stew your own while enjoying the comforting base flavors.

Can I make Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew in advance?

Absolutely! Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld together for an even richer taste. Store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stove. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up a bit, ensuring your stew remains creamy and delicious.

What sides pair well with Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew?

Serving up Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew is even better with the right sides. Consider accompanying it with crusty sourdough bread or a warm baguette for mopping up that luscious sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness. If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it alongside some roasted potatoes or a simple rice dish to soak up all that succulent flavor.

Conclusion for Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew

In conclusion, the Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its customizable ingredients and the ability to make it ahead of time, this stew will quickly become a go-to favorite. Dive into a bowl of this delightful stew and enjoy every scrumptious bite, as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew With Butterbeans and Spinach

Experience the comforting flavors of this Creamy Leek and Sausage Stew filled with tender butterbeans and vibrant spinach, perfect for warm gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 3 bowls

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 leek finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• handful thyme leaves
• 150 ml white wine
• 1 jar posh butterbeans
• 250 ml chicken stock
• 200 g spinach
• 6 sausages
• 25 g sourdough breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp creme fraiche
• 20 g parmesan
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• cast iron pot
• frying pan
• chopping board
• knife

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Finely slice the leek and wash it. Finely chop the garlic.
2. In a cast iron pot, add the olive oil and cook the leek over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and thyme leaves and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the white wine, butterbeans, and chicken stock to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over high heat, add the sausages, and fry until browned (they don't need to be cooked through).
5. Add the sausages to the bean pan along with the spinach, then simmer for 20 minutes.
6. In the sausage pan with the fat still in it, add the breadcrumbs and toast for about 5 minutes until deeply golden. Season with salt and remove from the pan.
7. After 20 minutes, add the creme fraiche and parmesan to the beans, along with the juice and zest of half a lemon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Spoon the stew into bowls, then sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumbs and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl

Notes

Use fresh thyme for added aroma; avoid overcooking spinach to maintain its color. Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container.

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