Kickoff Turkey Sausage With Spinach (Weight Watchers)

I remember crisp autumn Saturdays growing up, not just because of the changing leaves, but the aromas wafting from our kitchen. My mom, a master of the slow cooker, had a knack for creating meals that were both comforting and nourishing. This recipe, a twist on classic sausage and greens, brings back those cozy memories of family gatherings, football games flickering on the TV, and the simple joy of a warm, satisfying meal shared with loved ones. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and utterly effortless.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers

Ingredients

• 6 sweet Italian turkey sausage links
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 (1 lb) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1 large pinch kosher salt
• 1 large pinch black pepper
• 1 (11 ounce) container Baby Spinach
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3 cups hot cooked rice

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy skillet
• 5- or 6-quart slow cooker
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Spray a large heavy skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sausages and brown, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are nicely colored on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor.

3. Set the sausages aside once browned.

4. Add the low sodium chicken broth to the skillet and cook, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, for approximately 2 minutes. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Make sure to deglaze the pan thoroughly, loosening all the stuck-on bits.

5. Transfer the broth mixture to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.

6. Stir in the thawed pearl onions, golden raisins, kosher salt, and black pepper.

7. Top the mixture with the browned sausages.

8. Cover the slow cooker and cook until the sausages and onions are fork-tender. This will take approximately 4-6 hours on high heat, or 8-10 hours on low heat. The beauty of a slow cooker is its flexibility – you can adjust the cooking time to fit your schedule.

9. Once the sausages are cooked through, transfer them with a slotted spoon to a cutting board.

10. Cut each sausage diagonally into 5 slices. This presentation enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

11. Stir half of the Baby Spinach into the slow cooker, cooking just until wilted. This will only take a minute or two, as the residual heat will quickly soften the spinach.

12. Repeat with the remaining spinach, stirring it into the slow cooker until wilted.

13. Stir the sliced sausages back into the slow cooker.

14. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the dish.

15. Serve hot with cooked rice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the other spices.
• If you don’t have pearl onions, you can substitute chopped yellow or white onions. Just be sure to cook them until they are softened.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice.
• Browning the sausages is a crucial step for developing deeper flavor; don’t skip it! If you’re short on time, you can brown them the night before and store them in the refrigerator.
• Don’t overcook the spinach. It should be just wilted, not mushy.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the slow cooker along with the balsamic vinegar.
• For a richer flavor, substitute the chicken broth with bone broth.
• If you want to thicken the sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Kickoff Turkey Sausage With Spinach hot over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if not adhering strictly to Weight Watchers).

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or gently warm on the stovetop. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too dry.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	205.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	7 g	4%
Total Fat	0.9 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	68.2 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	45.2 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	10.2 g	40%
Protein	6 g	11%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian turkey sausage instead of sweet.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chickpeas.
• Different Greens: Substitute the spinach with kale or collard greens. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as kale and collard greens may require longer cooking times.
• Grain-Free: Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives.
• Seasonal Variation: Add butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall for a heartier dish.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the slow cooker for added aroma and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Be sure to wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish according to the instructions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This will help to thicken the sauce.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them to the slow cooker along with the onions and raisins.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Kickoff Turkey Sausage With Spinach is a winner, whether you’re watching the game, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal. The combination of savory sausage, sweet raisins, and vibrant spinach creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback – and maybe even pair it with a crisp autumn ale for the ultimate game-day experience!