Hearty Polish Sausage and Cabbage Stew
Experience the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with this simple yet satisfying Hearty Polish Sausage and Cabbage Stew. Perfect for busy weeknights, this crock pot recipe allows you to effortlessly create a wholesome meal that simmers all day, filling your home with an aromatic blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant cabbage-coleslaw mix. As you walk through the door after a long day, you’ll be greeted by the delightful scent of spices and broth, and each bowl promises to warm your soul. Ideal for chilly evenings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 cups (cubed and peeled)
Cabbage and Carrot Coleslaw Mix
4 cups (packaged)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Caraway Seeds
2 teaspoons (crushed)
Polish Sausage
1 lb (cooked, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Fat Free Chicken Broth
4 cups (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and cube the potatoes, chop the onion, and slice the Polish sausage.
2
In the crock pot, layer the cubed potatoes, coleslaw mix, chopped onion, crushed caraway seeds, and the sliced Polish sausage.
3
Gently pour the fat-free chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
4
Cover the crock pot with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 10 - 12 hours, or on high for 5 - 6 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
5
Once cooked, give the stew a gentle stir, and ladle the hearty mixture into bowls. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Polish Sausage and Cabbage Stew?
It is a comforting Eastern European-inspired meal made with Polish sausage, potatoes, and a cabbage-carrot coleslaw mix, designed specifically for slow cooking in a crock pot.
What are the main ingredients for this stew?
The recipe requires potatoes, packaged cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix, a large onion, caraway seeds, Polish sausage, and fat-free chicken broth.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and then cubed into bite-sized pieces before being added to the crock pot.
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 cups of packaged coleslaw mix with 4 cups of shredded fresh cabbage and a bit of shredded carrot.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cooked Polish sausage, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch slices.
How long does the stew need to cook on a low setting?
On the low setting, the stew should cook for 10 to 12 hours.
Is there a faster cooking option for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the stew on the high setting for 5 to 6 hours.
Do I need to precook the sausage?
The recipe specifies using cooked Polish sausage, so if your sausage is raw, you should cook it before adding it to the crock pot.
What is the purpose of caraway seeds in this stew?
Caraway seeds provide an aromatic, traditional Eastern European flavor profile that complements the cabbage and sausage.
How should I prepare the caraway seeds?
The caraway seeds should be crushed to help release their flavor into the broth.
How much broth is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 cups of fat-free chicken broth.
Should the ingredients be completely covered by the broth?
Yes, you should ensure that the broth is poured over the ingredients so that everything is submerged.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Absolutely. It is a simple crock pot recipe that allows you to set it in the morning and have a hot meal ready by dinner time.
What is the suggested serving method?
Once cooked, give the stew a gentle stir and ladle it into bowls to serve hot.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, while the recipe calls for chicken broth, beef or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute depending on your preference.
Is this dish suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for chilly evenings because it is warm and soul-satisfying.
How many vegetables are in this stew?
This stew is vegetable-rich, containing potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions.
Do I need to stir the stew while it is cooking?
No, you only need to stir the stew once after the cooking time is complete and before serving.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredient list, garlic would be a great addition to the aromatic blend of onions and caraway seeds.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty nature and savory flavors.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped. A yellow or white onion works best for stews.
Can I use turkey Polish sausage to make it lighter?
Yes, using turkey-based Polish sausage is a great way to reduce the fat content of the dish.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is finished when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop?
Yes, although it is designed for a crock pot, you can simmer it in a large pot on the stove over low heat until the potatoes are tender.
Is this stew gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure that your chicken broth and Polish sausage are certified gluten-free brands.
Does the coleslaw mix include dressing?
No, you should use the dry packaged cabbage and carrot mix, not the kind that already has dressing added.
What's the benefit of using a coleslaw mix?
Using a pre-packaged mix saves significant prep time as the cabbage and carrots are already shredded.
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for stews as they hold their shape well after long cooking times.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Based on the 1 lb of sausage and 4 cups of broth, it typically serves about 4 to 6 people.
Is this recipe low in fat?
The recipe uses fat-free chicken broth to help keep the fat content lower while maintaining flavor.