Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage: A Rustic, Comforting Classic 🥬🌭

This Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender cabbage, smoky sausages, and aromatic veggies simmer together in a simple yet satisfying one-pot recipe. Paired with rustic bread or potatoes, it’s a wholesome, budget-friendly meal ready in just over an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 small green cabbage
- 4 smoked sausages (Montbéliard, Morteau, or similar)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 glass (about ¾ cup or 200 ml) water or broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Cabbage: Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Quarter the cabbage, remove the tough core, and roughly chop. (~5 minutes)
- Blanch Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside. (~7 minutes)
- Prep Veggies: Peel and finely chop the onion. Peel and slice the carrot into thin rounds. Mince the garlic. (~5 minutes)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and garlic until slightly golden, about 5 minutes. (~5 minutes)
- Cook Cabbage: Add blanched cabbage to the saucepan, stirring to coat with the sautéed veggies. Add bay leaf, if using. Pour in water or broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. (~25 minutes)
- Add Sausage: Prick sausages with a fork and add them whole to the saucepan. Cover and simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes until sausages are heated through and cabbage is tender. (~20 minutes)
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf, if used. Serve warm with rustic bread or steamed potatoes, if desired. (~3 minutes)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Calories: Approx. 350–450 kcal per serving (varies by sausage type)
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty rustic bread or boiled potatoes for a complete meal.
- Serve with a dollop of mustard or horseradish for extra zing.
- Enjoy with a glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a crisp apple cider.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Comforting: Smoky sausage and tender cabbage create a cozy, satisfying dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy prep make it weeknight-friendly.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.
Optional Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include diced celery or parsnips for extra texture.
- Sausage Swap: Try kielbasa or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Make this Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage for a warm, rustic meal that’s sure to comfort and satisfy! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. #BraisedCabbage #SmokedSausage #ComfortFood