smoked sausage, potato and kale stew

       With winter so closely heading this way, cold nights already in play and sunlight sadly disappearing by five o'clock.  I myself am having a little bit of a hard time with it getting dark so early. Oh I'll get use to it for sure.  Its just right now when I'm going to work in the dark and then coming home in the dark... Its a little depressing.  Especially when going home on a cold and rainy evening and you just can't beat the chill even long after you've come home had a big ol' mug of hot tea and equipped  yourself with your favourite cozy knit socks. Sometimes a hot bowl of stew is the only thing that will do.  

   I used a sausage that was a little on the spicy side which gives the stew a nice kick and really warms the innards and a hearty flavourful beer that was the perfect combo for this 'Oktoberfest' style stew I found at the local LCBO.


SMOKED SAUSAGE, POTATO AND KALE STEW
serves 4-6

1 tbsp olive oil
2 smoked andouille sausages sliced into bite-sized rounds
2 small onions, halved then sliced thinly
1 carrot, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 of a medium size savoy cabbage sliced into thin strips
1 (355ml) bottle of  Samuel Adams 'Octoberfest' beer
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 bag of small new potatoes, quartered
4 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp dried dill (or fresh)
1 bay leaf
1 big handful of baby kale
salt and pepper to taste
chopped parsley for garnish

       In a large pot over medium high heat add the olive oil then sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they begin to caramelize.  Once the sausage has browned add in your onions and carrots and cook for another few minutes. Add the cabbage and garlic and stir to combine.  Add in your beer and vinegar and cook off for 3-4 minutes.  Add in your potatoes, stock, kale and spices and stir well. Allow to come to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover your pot with a lid and simmer for 35-45 minutes until your potatoes are nice and soft. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Top with chopped parsley and serve.