Description
A hearty and flavorful Sausage and Cabbage Skillet that combines crispy kielbasa with tender sautéed cabbage and aromatic onions. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is enhanced with smoked paprika and a splash of beer or broth for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound Kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/3-inch thick rounds
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green cabbage, about half of a medium head, tough outer leaves and stem removed and cut into 1-inch squares
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 pinches smoked paprika or regular ground paprika (or BBQ seasoning)
- 1 splash deglazing liquid (beer, white wine, or extra broth)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Red pepper flakes, to serve (optional)
- Whole grain mustard, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the sausage: Heat a large wide skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil once hot. Add the sliced kielbasa and sear until it is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the tablespoon of butter to the pan drippings. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown edges start forming. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sauté the cabbage: Add the diced cabbage to the skillet. Sauté for 5–6 minutes over medium heat, stirring often until the cabbage starts to soften. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in a splash of beer, white wine, or broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to evaporate.
- Simmer: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, cover with a tight lid, and simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 2-8 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir together for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and heat the sausage through. Serve immediately with optional red pepper flakes and whole grain mustard.
Notes
- You can substitute beer with white wine or extra chicken broth for deglazing depending on your preference.
- The simmering time can be adjusted based on how soft you want the cabbage; check after 2 minutes and continue if needed up to 8 minutes.
- Using a cast iron skillet gives a great sear and flavor but any heavy-bottom skillet will work well.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add them during cooking.
