Description
Looking for a cozy, one-pan meal that tastes like it simmered all day—but is ready in just 30 minutes? These Braised Cabbage & Sausage Bowls are smoky, tangy, and perfectly comforting. Sweet-tender cabbage, caramelized onions, and carrots meet hearty sausage, brightened with apple cider vinegar, grainy mustard, and a sprinkle of dill. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or chewy barley for a soul-soothing dinner that’s easy, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Ingredients
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12 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced (vegetarian sausage works too)
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½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
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2 carrots, julienned or sliced
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
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1 tsp grainy mustard (Dijon works in a pinch)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp fresh or dried dill (optional)
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Base: 2 cups mashed potatoes OR 1 cup cooked barley
Instructions
Step 1: Sausage Sizzle (5 min)
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Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add sausage slices in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
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Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving browned bits in the pan.
Step 2: Veggie Tango (8–10 min)
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Add onions and carrots to the same skillet. Sauté 3–4 minutes until onions soften.
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Add cabbage, sprinkle with salt, cover, and cook 5 minutes.
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Uncover, stir, and cook 3–5 more minutes until cabbage is wilted but slightly crisp. Tip: Add 1 tbsp water if pan looks dry.
Step 3: Flavor Fusion (2 min)
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Push vegetables to the side. Add vinegar and mustard to the pan center.
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Stir 30 seconds to deglaze and release flavors.
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Sprinkle in dill, pepper, and additional salt.
Step 4: Reunion & Simmer (3 min)
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Return sausage to the pan and toss to combine.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer 2–3 minutes for flavors to marry.
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Taste and adjust vinegar or mustard as desired.
Step 5: Bowl Bliss (1 min)
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Spoon mashed potatoes or barley into bowls.
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Top with sausage-cabbage mixture. Garnish with extra dill or a drizzle of mustard.
Notes
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Polish Style: Add 1 tsp caraway seeds, serve with sour cream.
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Veggie Boost: Use plant-based sausage + 1 cup chickpeas. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami.
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Spicy Kick: Swap for andouille sausage, add ½ tsp smoked paprika and pinch cayenne.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk in the last minute.
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Extra Hearty: Add diced potatoes or turnips with the carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving, approx.
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 18 g