Warm, hearty, and packed with rich smoky flavor, this Smoky Sausage White Bean Stew with Cornmeal Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This one-pot recipe combines tender smoked sausage, creamy white beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables in a flavorful broth, all simmered to perfection. The real star, however, is the fluffy, Southern-inspired cornmeal dumplings that cook directly on top of the bubbling stew, soaking up all its savory goodness. Infused with smoked paprika and thyme, every bite is a delightfully balanced mix of smoky, savory, and herby flavors. With just 20 minutes of prep and an easy simmer, this soul-warming stew is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal-prep for the week. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. SautΓ© for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Return the sausage to the pot and add the drained white beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Season the stew with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Remove the lid from the pot and discard the bay leaf. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (about 1 tablespoon each) over the surface of the simmering stew, leaving some space between them. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
7. After 15 minutes, check the dumplingsβthey should be puffed up and cooked through. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
8. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Calories |
3289 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.4 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.6 g | 303% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 9149 mg | 398% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 319.2 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 65.1 g | 232% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.9 g | ||
| Protein | 125.9 g | 252% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1064 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 33.5 mg | 186% | |
| Potassium | 6830 mg | 145% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.