This robust Italian stew combines lean beef cubes and sweet Italian sausage with a medley of garden-fresh vegetables including carrots, celery, mushrooms, and tomatoes. The meats are slowly browned and simmered with garlic, parsley, and bay leaf until tender, creating a rich, aromatic gravy. The dish is finished with a hint of nutmeg and served over freshly cooked polenta, which soaks up the savory sauce. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for chilly evenings or weekend gatherings.
Polenta With Beef And Sausage Stew
Description
This robust Italian stew combines lean beef cubes and sweet Italian sausage with a medley of garden-fresh vegetables including carrots, celery, mushrooms, and tomatoes. The meats are slowly browned and simmered with garlic, parsley, and bay leaf until tender, creating a rich, aromatic gravy. The dish is finished with a hint of nutmeg and served over freshly cooked polenta, which soaks up the savory sauce. It's a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for chilly evenings or weekend gatherings.Ingredients
Directions
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Cut the lean beef into 1/2-inch cubes.
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Remove the casing from the Italian sweet sausage and cut the meat into 1-inch pieces.
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Finely chop the garlic and parsley leaves together until almost pureed.
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Slice the fresh mushrooms thinly. (If using dried mushrooms, soak them in 1/2 cup lukewarm water for 15 minutes, then drain, saving the water, and chop them).
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Heat olive oil, butter, and diced salt pork in a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the diced onions and sauté slowly until they are medium brown and tender.
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Add the beef cubes and sausage pieces to the pan and brown for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the garlic-parsley mixture, black pepper, and crumbled bay leaf. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Pour in the white wine (if using), stir to deglaze the pan, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add the minced celery, minced carrot, chopped tomatoes, and mushrooms. Stir well to combine.
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Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the hot water and the mushroom soaking water (if using dried mushrooms). Stir, cover, and simmer gently for 40 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
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Grate a little nutmeg over the top of the stew. Uncover and simmer for 10 minutes longer to allow flavors to meld.
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Test the beef for doneness. Taste the stew and add salt only if necessary, keeping in mind the salt pork may have provided enough seasoning.
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Divide the hot, freshly cooked polenta among 4 to 6 warm plates.
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Ladle the beef and sausage stew with gravy over the polenta and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1953.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 100.0g154%
- Saturated Fat 33.7g169%
- Cholesterol 271.4mg91%
- Sodium 1005.1mg42%
- Total Carbohydrate 196.1g66%
- Dietary Fiber 66.6g267%
- Sugars 4.0g
- Protein 103.7g208%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.