Description
Smoked Sausage, Cabbage, and Potato Skillet
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced
1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add diced potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in chopped cabbage and canned diced tomatoes (with juice). Season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is softened.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect one-pan meal. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped: slice the sausage, chop the cabbage and onion, dice the potatoes, and mince the garlic. Using a large, lidded skillet is crucial. Begin by browning the sausage slices well to develop flavor, then remove them. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant before adding the potatoes. Let the potatoes cook for several minutes to start browning slightly. This step builds a flavorful foundation. Next, add the cabbage and the entire can of tomatoes with their juice. The liquid is essential for steaming the vegetables. Finally, return the sausage, cover the skillet, and simmer on low. The key is to cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet meal is delicious on its own but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful juices. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or grainy mustard on the side adds a creamy or sharp contrast. To make it a feast, add a side of buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta.
How-to Summary
Brown sausage in a skillet and set aside. Sauté onion, garlic, and potatoes in the same pan. Add cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, and seasonings. Return sausage to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. Kielbasa, Andouille, or even a chicken or turkey smoked sausage work well. Adjust cooking time if using raw sausage.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Use a mild smoked sausage and omit the smoked paprika. Sweet paprika is a great non-spicy substitute.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the dish completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Are there substitutions for the potatoes?
Try sweet potatoes for a different flavor, or use turnips or parsnips for a lower-carb option. Adjust simmering time as needed.
My potatoes aren’t cooking through. What should I do?
Ensure the skillet is covered to trap steam. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a quarter cup of water or broth and continue simmering until tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Browning the sausage and potatoes properly requires space. Cook in batches if your skillet is small.
- Dicing Potatoes Too Large: Keep potato pieces around 1/2-inch to ensure they cook through in the given time.
- Discarding the Tomato Juice: The liquid from the canned tomatoes is necessary to steam the cabbage and potatoes. Do not drain it.
- High Heat During Simmering: After covering, keep the heat low to gently cook the vegetables without burning the bottom.
- Underseasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, as the sausage and tomatoes contribute varying salt levels.
Conclusion
This Smoked Sausage, Cabbage, and Potato Skillet is the epitome of easy, satisfying comfort food. With minimal prep, one pan, and 40 minutes, you have a complete, flavorful dinner that pleases a crowd. Its versatility allows for easy ingredient swaps based on what you have on hand. Remember the key steps: build flavor by browning, use the tomato juice to steam, and simmer gently until everything is perfectly tender. It’s a reliable weeknight recipe you’ll return to again and again.