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    Hearty Italian Bean and Sausage Stew

    Hearty Italian Bean and Sausage Stew. This dish is a complete meal with a rich, savoury broth, tender beans, and Italian sausage, served with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s cozy, flavourful, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

    Hearty Italian Bean and Sausage Stew


    Ingredients:

    For the stew:

    - 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice), casings removed
    - 1 tablespoon olive oil
    - 1 large onion, diced
    - 3 garlic cloves, minced
    - 2 celery stalks, diced
    - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
    - 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
    - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    - 2 cans (14 oz/400g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
    - 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
    - 2 tablespoons of F N Good Food Garlic Herb Umami Bomb seasoning (adjust to taste)
    - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
    - Salt and pepper to taste

    For the sides:

    - Garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
    - Simple green salad (mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar)

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the sausage:
       - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  
       - Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it into chunks with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    2. Sauté the vegetables:
       - In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    3. Add tomatoes and seasoning:
       - Stir in the diced tomatoes, F N Good Food Garlic Herb Umami Bomb seasoning, and sugar (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavours meld.

    4. Simmer the stew:
       - Add the cooked sausage back to the pot, along with the chicken broth and cannellini beans. Stir well.  
       - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    5. Add greens:
       - Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.  
       - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

    6. Serve:
       - Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with garlic bread on the side.  
       - Pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

    Why This Works:
    - the F N Good Food Garlic Herb Umami Bomb seasoning adds depth and complexity to the stew, with the smoked paprika, herbs, and lemon zest creating a rich, aromatic base.  
    - The stew is hearty and filling, with protein from the sausage and fibre from the beans and vegetables.  
    - The sides (garlic bread and salad) round out the meal perfectly, making it a complete dinner.

    Enjoy this comforting Italian-inspired stew!