Spicy Sausage & Kale Stew with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes – $10 or Less Meal

This spicy sausage and kale stew is super easy, cooks in the crock pot, and most importantly, is rich and delicious. When my husband saw me putting the ingredients together he said it sounded “interesting,” but I could tell he was in no hurry to taste-test. Later I found him rummaging through the fridge and pantry, thinking about a “Plan B” option for dinner…just in case. Oh ye of little faith. I mean seriously, how often do I cook something that doesn’t taste good? Anyway, he later not only ate a bowl of the stew, he went back for seconds and then ate the leftovers the next day. And mentioned he wouldn’t mind having this dish a couple of times a month. Yes, it’s that good. This has some spice and heat due to the hot Italian sausage but you can substitute sweet Italian sausage if you want.

This dish will easily feed 6 for approximately $9.oo, depending on sale prices. I added a few olive slices and chopped tomato as garnish since I had both of those on hand but it tastes wonderful as is.

SPICY SAUSAGE & KALE STEW –

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes        Cook Time: 4 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours        Serves: 6 for approx. $9.00

Ingredients:

1 pound hot Italian sausage links, casings removed and broken into pieces

1 large onion, chopped

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (you can use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 cup water

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 large russet potatoes (about 1 pound)

1 small bunch kale, stems discarded and leaves torn (about 7 cups)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for serving if desired

Directions:

Combine the sausage, onion, tomatoes, and their juices, tomato paste, garlic, water, and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a 4- to 6- quart slow cooker. Nestle the potatoes in the liquid and top with the kale.

Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl. Add the milk, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper to the bowl and mash.

Serve the stew topped with the mashed potatoes. Drizzle with more olive oil and add garnish if desired.