Hearty, wholesome, and fiercely flavourful, this Spicy Sausage, Potato, and Two-Bean Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal designed to satisfy the deepest hunger. We've taken the classic spicy stew and elevated it by adding tender chunks of potato, which not only lend a superb texture but also thicken the rich, tomato-based sauce as they simmer. Combining savoury pork sausages, two varieties of nutritious beans, and a punch of warmth from fresh chillies and smoked paprika, this comforting dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum depth of flavour, making it a perfect centerpiece for any cold evening.
Ingredients
Sausage & Oil
1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
8 good-quality pork sausages (chorizo, spicy Italian, or merguez work well for extra heat)
Aromatics & Spice
1 large onion, chopped2-3 cloves garlic, minced1-2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced (deseed for less heat)1 tsp smoked paprika (or hot smoked paprika)$1/2$ tsp dried oregano$1/4$ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
Potatoes & The Base
4-5 medium potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or baby potatoes), peeled and chopped into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.1 (400g) tin chopped tomatoes300ml chicken or vegetable stock (Note: Increased from 200ml to cover the potatoes)1 tbsp tomato puree
Beans1
(400g) tin cannellini beans, rinsed and drained1 (400g) tin kidney beans, rinsed and drained
To Finish
Salt and black pepper to taste
A handful of fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (for garnish)Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Brown the Sausages:
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides (about 5-8 minutes). Remove the sausages and set them aside.
Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt to the same pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion has softened.
Add Garlic and Chillies: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced fresh chillies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toast the Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to a minute until the spices are fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Liquid:
Stir in the tomato puree. Add the chopped potatoes and stir to coat them in the spicy mixture. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the 300ml of stock. Stir well.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the sausages to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it bubble gently for 30-40 minutes. The stew is ready for the beans when the potatoes are fork-tender.
(The longer simmering time is necessary to ensure the potatoes fully cook in the acidic tomato base).
Add Beans and Finish:
Stir in the drained and rinsed beans. Cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to heat the beans through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season and Serve:
Taste the stew and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir in the fresh parsley or coriander (if using) just before serving.