Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This cabbage and Italian sausage recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's packed with delicious flavors, requires minimal cleanup, and is a fantastic way to enjoy healthy, homemade cooking. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a truly memorable meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcook the cabbage; you want it to retain some texture.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the sausage, work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Thinly slice the cabbage: This will help it cook more quickly and evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of the herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy twist.
- Hearty addition: Incorporate some cooked beans, such as cannellini or kidney beans, for a more substantial meal.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest adds brightness and a fresh note to the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and easy cabbage and Italian sausage recipe offers a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal that's packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish!