Hearty Sausage and Cabbage Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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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.

Ingredients for Hearty Sausage and Cabbage Stew

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • Sear the sausage well at the start; this builds the stew’s flavor base.
  • Chop vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and stir.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, any smoked sausage will work. Kielbasa or andouille are great alternatives.
How can I add more spice?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Can this be made in advance?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen with time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Hearty Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
  • Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add chopped cabbage, mixing well with other vegetables.
5. Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
6. Return sausage to the pot, along with caraway seeds, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

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