Savory Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Stew
Warm up your soul with this hearty Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Stew. Perfect for the chilly fall and winter months, this dish combines smoky Polish sausage with tender cabbage, vibrant carrots, and fragrant spices to create a filling and nutritious soup. The best part? It's extremely easy to prepare in your Crock-Pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Feel free to toss in any leftover or seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a personalized touch and added nutrition. Each bowl is packed with comforting flavors and wonderful textures, making it the perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends.
8
Servings
229
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Polish sausage, smoked
1 lb (halved lengthwise and chopped into 3/4 inch pieces)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Chicken broth
6 cups (low-sodium recommended)
Water
2 cups (filtered)
Green cabbage
1 head (chopped)
Carrots
3 (peeled and coarsely chopped)
White onion
1 (coarsely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (peeled and left whole)
Caraway seeds
2 teaspoons (whole)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
Celery salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped Polish sausage and sauté until heated through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds an extra depth of flavor to the sausage.
2
Transfer the sautéed sausage to the Crock-Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, followed by the chopped cabbage, coarsely chopped carrots, whole garlic cloves, and coarsely chopped onion.
3
Sprinkle in the caraway seeds, Italian seasoning, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Cover the Crock-Pot and set it to cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
After 2 hours, add any remaining seasonings to the stew and stir well. Continue cooking on high for an additional 3 hours, or until the carrots are soft and the cabbage is fully cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this comforting stew.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
9g
Carbs
17g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Stew?
It is a hearty and nutritious meal that combines smoky Polish sausage with tender cabbage and vibrant carrots, perfect for chilly fall and winter months.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains about 229 calories, 14g of fat, 9g of carbohydrates, 17g of protein, and 3g of fiber.
Is it necessary to sauté the sausage first?
Yes, sautéing the Polish sausage in olive oil for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the Crock-Pot adds an extra depth of flavor to the stew.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of smoked Polish sausage, halved lengthwise and chopped into 3/4 inch pieces.
How long does the stew cook in the Crock-Pot?
The stew is cooked on high for a total of 5 hours: an initial 2 hours, followed by an additional 3 hours after stirring.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely. You can toss in any leftover or seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a personalized touch and added nutrition.
What liquid base is used for the soup?
The liquid base consists of 6 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) and 2 cups of filtered water.
How should I prepare the cabbage?
You should use one head of green cabbage and chop it before adding it to the Crock-Pot.
Do I need to mince the garlic?
No, the 2-3 garlic cloves should be peeled but left whole for this recipe.
What spices are included in this stew?
The stew is seasoned with caraway seeds, Italian seasoning, celery salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this a low-calorie meal?
Yes, at 229 calories per serving, it is considered a relatively low-calorie and nutritious meal.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifies one white onion, coarsely chopped, but you can substitute with yellow onion if needed.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is ready when the carrots are soft and the cabbage is fully cooked through after about 5 hours on high.
Should I stir the stew while it's cooking?
Yes, you should stir the ingredients occasionally to ensure even cooking, especially after the first 2 hours.
Is the garlic powder mandatory?
The garlic powder is listed as optional, so you can omit it if you prefer.
What kind of oil should be used for the sausage?
Three teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil are used for sautéing the sausage.
What kind of caraway seeds should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 teaspoons of whole caraway seeds.
Can I use regular salt instead of celery salt?
You can, but celery salt provides a specific flavor profile that complements the cabbage and sausage well.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides 17g of protein per serving, making it quite filling.
Can I make this on a stovetop instead of a Crock-Pot?
While designed for a Crock-Pot, you could simmer it on a stovetop over low heat until the vegetables are tender, though times will vary.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Generally yes, but you must ensure your Polish sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free as brands vary.
What makes this stew savory?
The combination of the smoked sausage, sautéing process, and a blend of Italian seasoning and caraway seeds creates its savory profile.
Can I use water only instead of broth?
You can, but the chicken broth is highly recommended to provide the rich base and saltiness required for the stew's flavor.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include soup, stew, crock-pot, comfort food, vegetable, smoked sausage, and cabbage.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 14g of fat.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, stews often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it great for leftovers.
What is the primary vegetable in this stew?
Green cabbage is the primary vegetable, using one full head for the recipe.
How much Italian seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning.