| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 36g | 13g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 22g | 2.3g |
Growing up in the expansive landscapes of Montana exposed me to numerous culinary inspirations, from local ranch dishes to the rich traditions of Native American cuisine. As such, I tend to gravitate towards rustic, hearty dishes that are deeply satisfying, such as the Sour Cabbage and Sausage Stew. This vegetable-based delicacy, spiked with the smokiness of sausage and the tanginess of sour cabbage, harkens back to cold winter nights spent near a warming hearth.
A Bowlful of Comfort and Tradition
In this rich, warming stew, smoky sausage balances beautifully with tangy sour cabbage, diced potatoes offer a pleasing texture, and a selection of carefully chosen herbs and spices add depth to the flavor profile. As for health benefits, it’s worth noting that sour cabbage, or sauerkraut, is a well-known source of probiotics, which supports digestion and overall gut health. The rich flavor profile of this stew shares similarities with a variety of Eastern European dishes, particularly those from Poland and Germany.
Fits Perfectly with A Variety of Dishes
The Sour Cabbage and Sausage Stew is incredibly versatile. It stands out on its own as a rustic main dish or it can provide an excellent companion to hearty side dishes. For instance, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or freshly baked Crusty Seed Bread. The comforting flavors also lend themselves well to rounding off with a robust, rich dessert such as a Huckleberry Pie, another nod to my Montana roots.
To sum up, the sour cabbage and sausage stew is a true celebration of rustic comfort food. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out, a reminder of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re a Montana native, like me, or just someone who appreciates hearty, soul-warming fare, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head of sour cabbage, rinsed and drained
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
Method
Step One
Start by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until it browns on each side. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes. After this, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for later.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these until they become translucent. This process typically takes around 5 minutes.
Step Three
Now, add the thoroughly rinsed and drained sour cabbage to the pot. Also, incorporate the peeled and diced potatoes. Stir these ingredients well, ensuring they are mixed adequately with the onions and garlic.
Step Four
Add your chicken broth into the pot. Make sure that the quantity is sufficient to cover the cabbage and potatoes, this is typically around 5 cups. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Five
As the mixture boils, add back in the previously cooked smoked sausage. Also include the 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 bay leaves. After adding these in, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer.
Step Six
Let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the potatoes are soft and the flavors are well blended. Remember to stir the stew occasionally as it simmers. Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the stew warm.
