Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly simple meal? Then look no further! This sausage and red cabbage recipe is the perfect answer for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor, vibrant color, and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy cooks and beginners alike. This homemade dish is a delightful combination of savory sausage and sweet, tangy red cabbage, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience. It's the perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with easy recipes and minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1 lb)
- 2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Leave the rendered sausage fat in the pan.
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Sauté the Onion: Add the sliced red onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the Cabbage and Apples: Stir in the sliced red cabbage and apples. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften slightly.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to your dish.
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Simmer the Dish: Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything. Serve warm as a hearty and flavorful main course.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Thinly slice your cabbage and apples: This ensures even cooking and prevents tough, undercooked pieces.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If necessary, cook the cabbage and apples in batches to prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, or spices depending on your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Serve with sides: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, celery, or Brussels sprouts.
- Use different sausage: Try using chorizo, kielbasa, or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe's nutritional information varies depending on the type of sausage used. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) includes approximately:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This sausage and red cabbage recipe offers a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a simple recipe, packed with flavor, and easily customizable to your liking. Enjoy!