Slow Cooked Italian Stew (Crock Pot)

justcallmetoni's Note:

Have always been a fan of slow cooked meals and with my new crock pot, I'm equiped to try some new ones. The original recipe comes from "The Slow Cooker Bible" and includes my intended modifications. As I have not yet tried this dish, feedback is especially welcome.

• Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 (9 ounce) package cooked spicy chicken sausages, sliced
• 1 (8 -10 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 1 green pepper, seeded and vertically cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• 1 large zucchini, halved and cut into 3/8 inch thick pieces
• 1 1/2 cups fat free chicken broth (can use bouillon and water)
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans Italian stewed tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (use another white bean if desired)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

1. Coat slow cooker with a light layer of cooking spray.
2. Add carrots and onions. Top with chicken cubes and chicken sausage. Top with peppers and zucchini.
3. Mix together the tomatoes, broth, rosemary, garlic and oregano. Pour on top of ingredients in the crock pot.
4. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. Vegetables should be tender and chicken cooked but not falling apart.
5. Turn cooker to high and stir in cannellini beans and re-cover slow cooker. Cook and additional 10 to 15 minutes until beans are heated through.
6. Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with basil.

Reviews

[Samsgrammy]

Just tried this recipe and while it was good, it was a little overwhelmingly tomato-y the first night. There was plenty left for a redoux, so I added 3/4 cup concentrated chicken broth to cut the predominant tomato flavor, served it over a bit of rice topped by a healthy dollop of parmesan cheese and it was much more enthusiastically received by the family.

[Jim C.]

Excellent! The herb amounts looked skimpy to me, so I used about a tablespoon of Italian seasoning & was glad that I did. Also, next time I'll try omitting the chicken broth, since there was a lot of extra liquid. A great keeper--thanks!

[sugarpea]

As long as I saute the chicken breasts and add them just before serving, this is a great stew, justcallmetoni.