Hearty Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Stew

Ingredients

• 300 g smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (240 ml)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the sausage: Add the sliced 300 g of smoked sausage or kielbasa to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Set aside: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave the flavorful oil and sausage drippings in the pot for cooking the vegetables.

2. Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add carrots: Stir in the sliced carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly.

3. Add Potatoes and Cabbage

1. Add potatoes and cabbage: Stir in the diced potatoes and chopped cabbage. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will begin to wilt slightly during this time.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices

1. Pour in the liquids: Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
2. Season the stew: Sprinkle in 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, and add salt and black pepper to taste. These spices give the stew warmth and depth.
3. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Simmer the Stew

1. Cover and simmer: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage has fully wilted.

6. Finish with Sausage

1. Add the sausage back in: Once the vegetables are tender, add the browned sausage back into the pot. Stir well to incorporate the sausage into the stew.
2. Heat through: Let the stew cook for another 5 minutes to heat the sausage through and allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve

1. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew for a burst of freshness.
2. Enjoy: Serve the stew hot, with a side of crusty  bread or on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.

Tips for Success

• Smoked  sausage: Use a flavorful smoked sausage like kielbasa or chorizo for a deep, smoky flavor. You can also substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of broth slightly or simmer the stew uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this stew vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or beans for extra heartiness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg