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Why You'll Love This pantry cleanout cabbage and sausage stew for hearty winter suppers
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal effort and preparation.
- Customizable: You can use any type of sausage and add in any other vegetables you like, making it a great way to use up any leftovers you may have.
- Hearty and Filling: This stew is perfect for cold winter nights, as it's hearty and filling, and will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
- Affordable: This recipe is very affordable, as it uses ingredients that are commonly found in most pantries, and is a great way to stretch your budget.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in large batches and reheated throughout the week.
- Freezer Friendly: This recipe is also freezer friendly, making it a great option for those who like to plan ahead and have meals ready to go.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the sausage with a gluten-free option, and using gluten-free broth.
- Can be Made in a Slow Cooker: This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker, making it a great option for those who are short on time.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the sausage, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. The sausage provides a rich, meaty flavor, while the cabbage and carrots add a nice crunch and sweetness. The potatoes help to thicken the stew and add a comforting, hearty element. The onions add a depth of flavor and help to bring all the ingredients together. When selecting these ingredients, look for high-quality sausage that is made with wholesome ingredients, and choose fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots. For the potatoes, look for ones that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as they will help to thicken the stew.
How to Make pantry cleanout cabbage and sausage stew for hearty winter suppers
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, and add in the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add in the onions and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add in the cabbage and carrots, and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add in the potatoes and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
If desired, add in other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or sliced mushrooms, and cook until they are tender.
Tips for Perfect Results
Using high-quality sausage will make a big difference in the flavor of the stew. Look for sausage that is made with wholesome ingredients and has a good balance of spices.
Make sure to not overcook the vegetables, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they are tender, but still crisp.
Using the right type of potatoes will make a big difference in the texture of the stew. Look for potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as they will help to thicken the stew.
Adding in other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or sliced mushrooms can add a lot of flavor and texture to the stew.
Experimenting with different seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried thyme can add a lot of flavor to the stew.
Making it a one-pot meal by adding in some crusty bread or over rice can make it a filling and satisfying meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not Browning the Sausage: Not browning the sausage can result in a stew that lacks flavor and texture. Make sure to brown the sausage before adding in the other ingredients.
Fix: Take the time to brown the sausage, it's worth the extra effort.
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Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooking the vegetables can result in a stew that is mushy and unappetizing. Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender, but still crisp.
Fix: Check the vegetables frequently and remove them from the heat when they are tender.
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Not Using the Right Type of Potatoes: Not using the right type of potatoes can result in a stew that is thin and unappetizing. Make sure to use potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho.
Fix: Use the right type of potatoes, it will make a big difference in the texture of the stew.
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Not Seasoning Enough: Not seasoning enough can result in a stew that lacks flavor. Make sure to season the stew with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Fix: Taste the stew as you go and add more seasoning as needed.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick.
Add some crusty bread or serve over rice to make it a filling and satisfying meal.
Add some fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary to give the stew a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Substitute the sausage with a gluten-free option and use gluten-free broth to make the stew gluten-free.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze it.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe can be made in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can use different types of sausage such as chorizo, Italian sausage, or knockwurst. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes! You can add other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or sliced mushrooms to the stew. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it contains sausage that may contain gluten. However, you can substitute the sausage with a gluten-free option and use gluten-free broth to make the stew gluten-free.
pantry cleanout cabbage and sausage stew for hearty winter suppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pot. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the onion and garlic. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the cabbage and carrots. Add the shredded cabbage and diced carrots to the pot. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the potatoes and broth. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Step 6: Serve hot. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the stew cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stew up to a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
- Substitution: Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or kielbasa, for a unique flavor.
- Pro tip: Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or chopped kale, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
