Craving a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Cabbage and Noodles with Kielbasa recipe! This classic dish is a comforting blend of tender cabbage, perfectly cooked noodles, savory kielbasa, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying healthy meals can be. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking experience that's both quick and satisfying – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa and Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 5-7 minutes. Don't be afraid to let the cabbage cook down a bit; it will soften nicely.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Finish
Add the egg noodles to the pot. Stir to combine and cook according to package directions, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. Stir in the sour cream or yogurt during the last minute of cooking. This adds a lovely creaminess without curdling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Cabbage and Noodles with Kielbasa hot. This easy recipe is a perfect quick dinner idea, ready in under 30 minutes!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the cabbage.
- Use different sausage: Andouille sausage or Polish sausage would also be delicious in this recipe.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy version, stir in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour along with the sour cream.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Cabbage and Noodles with Kielbasa recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's a simple recipe perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the ease of this homemade comfort food classic. This recipe is guaranteed to become one of your go-to easy recipes and best recipes for years to come.