This Hearty Sausage and Cabbage Stew is your cozy, go-to meal for cooler days. It’s packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, making it a comforting choice for any family dinner.
Sausage: The smoked variety adds a rich, deep flavor that anchors the stew. Cabbage: Provides bulk and sweetness, soaking up the broth flavors beautifully. Carrots: Add natural sweetness, complementing the savory elements. Potatoes: These give the stew a hearty, filling texture. Onion and Garlic: Essential for building the flavor base. Chicken broth: The liquid gold that brings everything together. Caraway seeds: Deliver a subtle, earthy note that pairs well with the sausage. Red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
This stew shines with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well, providing a nice contrast.
Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced sausage. Let it sizzle and brown for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This browning is where the flavor magic begins, so don't rush it. When the sausage is nicely browned, scoop it out and set it aside.
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic—let them soak up that flavor left behind. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, around 5 minutes should do it.
Add the diced carrots and cubed potatoes next. Stir them around, letting them mingle with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Now, add the chopped cabbage. Mix it well with the other veggies. It’ll seem like a lot at first, but it’ll cook down significantly.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Return the browned sausage to the pot, along with the caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Let the stew simmer, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.