
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 1 lb Polska kielbasa, sliced into rounds (or half-moons)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, if you want a little heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Chop the cabbage into strips, discarding the tough core.
- Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic.
- Slice the kielbasa into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Cook the kielbasa:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the kielbasa slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter or oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the cabbage:
- Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Stir everything together, ensuring the cabbage gets coated in the flavor from the onions and garlic.
- Cook the cabbage:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts down and becomes tender. You can add a splash of water or broth if the cabbage starts to stick, but it should caramelize a bit too, so don’t be afraid of some browning!
- Combine the kielbasa:
- Once the cabbage is tender, add the cooked kielbasa back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or garlic if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why this is great:
- Simple and Satisfying: With just a few ingredients, this dish is hearty and filling.
- Smoky and Savory: The kielbasa adds a nice smoky flavor to the cabbage, and the garlic brings a fragrant punch.
- Perfect for Supper: It’s a comforting, easy meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in the mountains of WNC.
Serving Suggestions:
- You can serve this dish as is or with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up all the flavors.
- If you want to add a bit of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley on top can brighten it up.
I love the vibe of your meal! Here are a few ideas and variations you can try to elevate or tweak your Fried Cabbage with Kielbasa:
Add Some Extra Veggies:
If you want to sneak in some more vegetables or change up the flavors:
- Carrots: Grate or slice some carrots and toss them in with the cabbage for a bit of natural sweetness and color.
- Bell Peppers: Add a chopped bell pepper or two along with the onions for extra crunch and flavor. They pair great with kielbasa!
- Potatoes: If you’re feeling extra hearty, you could add diced potatoes to the skillet to cook along with the cabbage. They’ll absorb all the savory flavors and make the dish more filling.
- Tomatoes: A handful of diced tomatoes added toward the end of cooking can bring a little freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the kielbasa.
Spice It Up:
For some heat and an extra kick:
- Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder along with the paprika for a bit of spice.
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle a little hot sauce or Tabasco over the top just before serving for that extra zing.
- Jalapeños: If you like a fresher, more intense heat, slice up a jalapeño and sauté it with the onions and garlic.
Experiment with Seasonings:
You can give this dish different flavor profiles by playing with the seasoning:
- Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano would pair wonderfully with the kielbasa. Try adding them in while you cook the cabbage to give the dish a lovely earthy aroma.
- Mustard: Add a little mustard (Dijon or yellow) to the cabbage near the end of cooking for a tangy kick.
- Smoked Paprika: If you’re not using smoked kielbasa, a bit of smoked paprika will mimic that smoky flavor and give the dish a deep, rich taste.
Add a Creamy Element:
For a richer dish, you could incorporate a creamy element:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top when serving will add a nice, creamy contrast to the savory flavors.
- Cheese: Grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella sprinkled over the top just before serving will melt beautifully and give it a cheesy, comforting finish.
- Heavy Cream: After the cabbage is done cooking, you could add a splash of heavy cream to make it a bit more like a creamy cabbage skillet. Stir it in to create a rich, smooth sauce.
Serve Over or With:
- Rice: Serve your fried cabbage and kielbasa over a bed of white or brown rice. The rice will soak up all the juices and give the meal a bit more substance.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve this dish over mashed potatoes for a super comforting, filling meal. It’s perfect for colder months.
- Cornbread: A slice of cornbread would be perfect to soak up all the delicious flavors of the cabbage and kielbasa.
Make It a Casserole:
You can turn your skillet dish into a baked casserole for something a little different:
- After frying the cabbage and kielbasa, transfer everything to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- This would make it a little more of a one-pan meal and add some crispy topping for texture.
Add Something Sweet:
If you enjoy a hint of sweetness in savory dishes, try:
- Apple: Add thin slices of apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to the cabbage toward the end of cooking for a slight sweetness that balances the savory and smoky flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking will add a slight sweetness and richness that complements the kielbasa and cabbage.
Meal Prep Idea:
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers and stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop and it’ll be just as tasty!
- Wraps: You can turn any leftovers into a wrap by placing the fried cabbage and kielbasa in a tortilla. Add some cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce, and you’ve got a portable meal.
Serving Ideas:
- With a Side Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
- Pickles or Sauerkraut: If you like a bit of acidity to cut through the richness, serve your fried cabbage with kielbasa alongside some pickles or sauerkraut.
Enjoy your Fried Cabbage with Kielbasa—it sounds like the perfect, hearty supper for a cold evening in the mountains!