Basque Stew
A hearty Basque stew featuring savory sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, spicy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Polish sausage, sliced in rounds 3/8-inch thick ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 potatoes, pared and sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chopped celery leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, sliced potatoes, sliced celery, celery leaves, water, beef bouillon cubes, bay leaf, salt, thyme, pepper, oregano, and lemon juice to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using andouille sausage instead of Polish sausage. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if available, adjusting the quantity accordingly. If you want a thicker stew, mash a few potato slices and mix back into the broth. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Basque Stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For added texture, consider topping each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or serving alongside a dish like Sausage-Sauerkraut Dinner for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basque Stew contains roughly 851 calories, with 23g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (367% of the Daily Value), iron (148% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, Basque Stew can be made a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The stew may thicken as it cools, so add a bit of water or broth when reheating if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a lighter option. Use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for depth of flavor and texture, making it a hearty vegetarian dish.
What can I serve with Basque Stew?
Pair Basque Stew with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette works well to balance the richness of the stew. For a cozy touch, consider serving it with cornbread or biscuits on the side for a comforting dinner experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).