Old-World Kielbasa and Cabbage

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Old-World Kielbasa and Cabbage is a comforting dish that brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your kitchen. It's a simple one-pan meal that combines savory smoked kielbasa with tender cabbage, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — just a few ingredients and one skillet.
  • Hearty and satisfying, with a balance of flavors and textures.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.
  • Uses affordable, everyday ingredients available year-round.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's bubbling, add your sliced kielbasa. Let it cook for about five minutes, turning occasionally until both sides are browned and a bit crispy. This step is key for sealing in the flavor.

Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll notice some tasty bits left in the pan, which will add flavor to the next steps. Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook these for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and translucent.

Next, toss in the chopped cabbage, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and stir again, making sure the cabbage is well-coated.

Cover the skillet and let the cabbage steam for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. When the cabbage is tender, return the kielbasa to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it simmer uncovered for another five minutes until everything is heated through and well-combined.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer extra crispiness, brown the kielbasa in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Use a mandoline to slice the onion thinly and evenly for uniform cooking.
  • For a touch of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the cabbage.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a fresh contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sausage?
Absolutely! Any smoked sausage will work, but the distinct flavor of kielbasa is part of what makes this dish special.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Ingredients Explained

Kielbasa is the star of the dish, providing a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage. Look for a good-quality smoked kielbasa for the best results.

Cabbage adds a tender, slightly sweet component to the dish. It absorbs the flavors of the kielbasa and spices, making it uniquely delicious.

Onion brings a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. As it cooks, it mellows and complements the other ingredients.

Butter is used to sauté the kielbasa and vegetables, adding richness to the dish.

Caraway seeds provide a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste. They are a classic spice in Eastern European cuisine.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Chicken broth helps to steam the cabbage and adds a bit of savory depth to the dish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the chopped cabbage, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
7. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
8. Return the kielbasa to the skillet and mix with the cabbage.
9. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

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