A Simple, Scrumptious Sausage and Cabbage Recipe
This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful sausage and cabbage dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's easy to follow, adaptable to your preferred spice level, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters! We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips and variations, ensuring you achieve succulent sausage and tender cabbage every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb Sausage: Choose your favorite! Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even breakfast sausage will work wonderfully. Remove casings if using.
- 1 large Head of Cabbage: Green cabbage is traditional, but red cabbage adds a beautiful color and slightly sweeter flavor.
- 1 large Onion: Yellow or white onion will both work well.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Or another cooking oil of your choice.
- 1 tsp Salt: Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- Optional additions: Consider adding a bay leaf, caraway seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Shred the cabbage – you can use a knife or a food processor for this.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add salt and pepper (and any optional seasonings). Stir to combine everything. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of cabbage, you might need to cook it in batches to ensure it wilts properly.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on how tender you like your cabbage, you may need to simmer it for a longer or shorter time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
This sausage and cabbage dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty bread
- A simple green salad
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage and Cabbage: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Apple Sausage and Cabbage: Add diced apples during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory twist.
- Sausage and Cabbage with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes along with the cabbage for a heartier meal.
This simple sausage and cabbage recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
