Slow Cooker Sausage Stew

📝 Ingredients:

6 sausages (Toulouse, smoked, or your choice)

3 carrots, sliced

3 potatoes, cut into large chunks

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 celery stalk (optional), chopped

400g (about 14 oz) canned diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

250 ml (1 cup) vegetable or chicken broth

1 tsp dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

✅️1. Brown the sausages (optional but adds flavor):

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the sausages for a few minutes until nicely browned. Set aside.

✅️2. Sauté the vegetables (optional but tasty):

In the same skillet, cook the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

✅️3. Assemble in the slow cooker:

↪️Place the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.

↪️Add the sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper.

↪️Place the sausages on top.

⏲️ Cooking Time:

◾️Low setting: 6 to 8 hours

◾️High setting: 3 to 4 hours

◾️Stir gently halfway through if you can.

🍽️ To Finish:

↪️Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

↪️If the sauce is too thin, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken.

💡 Tips:

↪️Add white beans during the last hour for a cassoulet-style twist.

↪️For a rustic touch, throw in some mushrooms or shredded cabbage.

↪️Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.