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Fried Cabbage with Sausage

Fried Cabbage with Sausage

This Southern-style comfort dish represents the pinnacle of simple yet incredibly delicious home cooking.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet Base:

  • 1 head green cabbage, cored and chopped
  • 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease

For Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Carefully slice the sausage into uniform rounds. Core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, ensuring relatively consistent sizing for even cooking.
  2. Select a large skillet or Dutch oven and melt the butter or bacon grease over medium-high heat. The right fat adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
  3. Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. You're looking for a beautiful golden color and slightly crispy edges.
  4. Remove the browned sausage from the pan and set aside. Leave the flavorful drippings in the skillet – this is liquid gold for cooking.
  5. In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the onions become soft, translucent, and begin to caramelize.
  6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just 30 seconds. The garlic will become fragrant and add a wonderful aromatic layer to the dish.
  7. Gradually add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches. As the cabbage begins to wilt, it will create more space in the pan. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  8. Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). The spices will add depth and complexity to the dish.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage cook down for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  10. Return the browned sausage to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
  11. If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. This will brighten the dish with a touch of acidity.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes