Cheap, easy and delicious.

Green Beans and Potatoes with Polish Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Polish sausage, sliced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 cups of green beans (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or other favorite seasonings

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
   • Slice the Polish sausage into 1/2-inch rounds.
   • If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If using canned or frozen green beans, drain and rinse if necessary.
2. Boiling the Potatoes and Green Beans:
   • In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and green beans.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the potatoes and green beans are fully submerged. Add more broth or water if needed.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cooking the Sausage:
   • When the potatoes are about halfway cooked (after approximately 10-15 minutes), add the sliced Polish sausage to the pot.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through, about another 10-15 minutes.
4. Seasoning:
   • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or any other favorite seasonings at this stage.
5. Serving:
   • Once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, and the sausage is heated through, remove the pot from heat.
   • Serve the green beans, potatoes, and sausage in bowls, making sure to include some of the flavorful broth.

Tips:

• This dish can be easily adjusted to your taste preferences by adding different spices or vegetables.
• For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.

Benefits of This Recipe

1. Economical:
   • Cost-Effective Ingredients: This recipe utilizes budget-friendly ingredients such as potatoes, green beans, and Polish sausage, which are typically inexpensive and widely available.
   • Minimal Waste: The recipe makes use of whole ingredients, and any leftovers can be easily repurposed, minimizing food waste and maximizing the value of your grocery purchases.
2. Easy to Prepare:
   • Simple Steps: The recipe involves straightforward steps that are easy to follow, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks.
   • Quick Cooking Time: With a total cooking time of about 30-40 minutes, this dish can be prepared quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a meal in a hurry.
3. Comforting:
   • Warm and Hearty: The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and savory chicken broth creates a warm, hearty meal that is perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting dish.
   • Nostalgic Flavors: This recipe offers classic, homestyle flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and home-cooked meals, providing emotional comfort as well as physical nourishment.
4. Nutritious:
   • Balanced Nutrition: The dish provides a balanced array of nutrients, including carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the sausage, and vitamins and minerals from the green beans.
   • Low in Added Fats: The recipe is naturally low in added fats, especially if you choose a lean sausage variety, making it a healthier comfort food option.
5. Versatile:
   • Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use different types of sausage, add additional vegetables like carrots or peas, or experiment with different seasonings.
   • Dietary Adaptations: The recipe can be adapted for various dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth and a plant-based sausage. For a lower-carb option, you can reduce the number of potatoes and increase the amount of green beans or add other low-carb vegetables.
6. Meal Prep Friendly:
   • Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. It reheats well, so you can enjoy it for several days.
   • Freezer-Friendly: The recipe can be frozen for longer storage, making it convenient to have a hearty meal ready to go when you need it.

Q&A About This Recipe

Q: Can I use other types of sausage instead of Polish sausage? A: Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even turkey sausage. Each type will bring its unique flavor to the dish.

Q: What type of potatoes work best for this recipe? A: Russet potatoes, Yukon gold, or red potatoes all work well. Russet potatoes will give a fluffier texture, while Yukon gold and red potatoes will hold their shape better, providing a slightly different texture to the dish.

Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? A: Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian, assuming you also use a plant-based sausage. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier? A: To add some heat, you can include a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes when adding the sausage. You can also use a spicy variety of sausage to increase the heat level of the dish.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can prepare this in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients at once and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through. This method is convenient for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing and reheating might slightly alter the texture of the potatoes, but the dish will remain tasty and comforting.

Q&A About This Recipe

Q: Can I use other types of sausage instead of Polish sausage? A: Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even turkey sausage.

Q: What type of potatoes work best for this recipe? A: Russet potatoes, Yukon gold, or red potatoes all work well. Russet potatoes will give a fluffier texture, while Yukon gold and red potatoes will hold their shape better.

Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? A: Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian, assuming you also use a plant-based sausage.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier? A: To add some heat, you can include a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes when adding the sausage. You can also use a spicy variety of sausage.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can prepare this in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients at once and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.