Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort with this Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew. Perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying, this stew combines succulent sausage with tender cabbage and a medley of veggies for a dish that's both nourishing and full of flavor.

Ingredients for Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew

Sausage links bring a savory richness to the stew, while the green cabbage adds a subtle sweetness and heartiness. Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic aromatic base, enhancing depth and flavor. Garlic provides a robust aroma, and chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid foundation. Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and brightness. Olive oil is used for sautéing, while thyme, salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf offer seasoning and warmth.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your sausage has a casing, remove it for a more tender bite.
  • For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before transferring the sautéed veggies.
  • Consider using a mix of mild and spicy sausages for a balanced kick.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or some warm, buttery cornbread. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor and color of the stew.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in airtight containers for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced sausage links. Let them brown nicely, turning occasionally to get an even color. Once they're golden and delicious, transfer them into your slow cooker.

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften up a bit, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic towards the end, stirring for another minute until fragrant. Then, add this colorful mix to your slow cooker.

Next, add the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker, followed by the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients well, ensuring the flavors blend during cooking.

Cover your slow cooker with the lid, set it on low for 6-8 hours, or if you're short on time, high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and the aroma is too tempting to resist. Before serving, don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
  • Slow cooker magic: Set it and forget it for an easy, hands-off meal.
  • Wholesome ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

1 lb sausage links, sliced
1 head green cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage slices. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft. Add to slow cooker.
3. Add cabbage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
4. Stir ingredients to combine and cover with lid.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf before serving.

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