Italian Sausage & Escarole Stew

     The hubby and I made this recipe by The Pampered Chef the other night and it turned out just as amazing as always....However we substituted Kale we got from the Farmers Market for the Escarole.  I've made it both ways, with kale and the escarole, both are great, but the kale you need to let wilt a little longer in the pot before serving.

Here's what you will need:

2 medium red onions

1 large red bell pepper

1 1/4 lbs Italian sausage links (5 links), casings removed

4 garlic cloves, pressed

6 cups (1.5L) chicken stock

1 can (28oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 small head escarole (about 12 cups) sliced

2 TBsp Balsamic vinegar

1tsp salt

2 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved

Preparation:

Dice onions and bell pepper. Cut sausage in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 

1/2 in pieces.  Place sausage into a large stockpot.  Cook over medium heat 6-7 minutes 

or until browned, stirring occasionally.  Remove sausage; drain on paper towels, set aside.

Add onions and bell pepper to stockpot.  Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until browned.  

Add pressed garlic, cook an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.  Stir in sausage, stock, 

tomatoes, pasta, and rosemary.  Bring to simmer over medium heat and cook 10-12 minutes 

or until pasta is tender.  Remove from heat and remove rosemary sprigs.

Meanwhile, cut escarole head in half lengthwise.  Cut off and discard root end.  Slice 

escarole crosswise.  Rise with water and dry.  Stir escarole, vinegar, and salt into stockpot; 

let stand 2-3 minutes or until escarole is wilted.  Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!