Traditional Cabbage and Kielbasa

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Cabbage and Kielbasa recipe brings together simple ingredients for a hearty, comforting dish. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s a delightful blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Traditional Cabbage and Kielbasa

Kielbasa adds rich, smoky flavor and hearty protein. It's the star of the dish with its savory taste and satisfying texture. Cabbage provides a wonderful crunch and absorbs the flavors beautifully, while being a nutritious addition. Onion and garlic lend depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Olive oil is used to sauté the ingredients, adding a hint of fruitiness. Chicken broth helps to braise the cabbage, making it tender and flavorful. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste. Caraway seeds introduce an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the kielbasa. Finally, apple cider vinegar gives a tangy finish that brightens the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion.
  • If the cabbage seems too crunchy after simmering, give it a few more minutes until it reaches your preferred tenderness.
  • Adjust the vinegar to your taste — start with less, and add more if you like it tangy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the juices. It also works well served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage or any flavorful, fully-cooked sausage will work well.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Traditional Cabbage and Kielbasa Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your trusty large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced kielbasa. Let it sizzle away, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned — about 5 minutes should do. Then, remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In that same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Now it’s time to introduce the chopped cabbage to the mix. Stir it all together, making sure the cabbage is well coated with the onion and garlic.

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds. Cover the skillet and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed all those delicious flavors.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to give the dish a bright, tangy kick. Return the kielbasa to the skillet, nestling it in with the cabbage. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it up hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra caraway seeds on top for garnish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • A perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
  • Uses affordable, easily accessible ingredients.
  • Great for meal prepping – tastes even better the next day!
  • One-pan wonder: minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients

1 lb kielbasa, sliced
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove kielbasa from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
5. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with onion and garlic.
6. Pour in chicken broth, then add salt, pepper, and caraway seeds.
7. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
8. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and return kielbasa to the skillet.
9. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until flavors meld together.
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional caraway seeds if desired.

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