“Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon”

Well the sun is shining but the temperature here at my house is 5 degrees. When snow is on the ground and the temp is like this that signals time to make something comforting and delicious. It’s a weeknight and no time to dilly-dally over what to prepare for dinner. Luckily I had already gone grocery shopping so my Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon was on the menu this night. Short on time, need simple and easy then look no further for what I think will become a new winter time favorite.

Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon

My Mom always made cabbage, usually just sautéed with bacon. But I have taken her recipe and made it a perfect meal all-in-one pot. I don’t know about you but one pot meals are one of my favorite things to prepare during a busy work week. As I mentioned in a recent post, we’re treating our bodies better by eating out less. I’m not saying to stop eating out because we all have our favorite go-to haunts. You know the ones that we pass by on the way home.

But remember you went grocery shopping so you’re not tempted by fast food as much. It’s about making a plan and sticking to it. Making good and healthy favorites in your own kitchen can be fun for you and your family. I know when I was growing up, the smell of something good filled our house and I love that smell to this day.

Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon

This recipe for Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon is super easy and a favorite in my house. Start with a head of cabbage cut into strips, sliced smoked sausage, Danish bacon. If you have an international market in your neighborhood Danish bacon should be found there. However, if you can’t find Danish bacon, use you a thick-sliced bacon of your choosing.

Sauerkraut is added for a slight sour, savory taste to this dish. Make sure you drain the sauerkraut before use in this dish. I love dill and this herb lends a fresh tasting element to all the ingredients though remember a little goes a long way. Chicken broth is used to braise the cabbage along with Vegeta seasoning, a flavorful blend found in most markets down the spices aisle. A close friend turned me on to Vegeta seasoning and I use this flavorful blend in braises, soups and stews. Once you try it, I think you’ll keep it as a pantry staple.

Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon

Craving a hearty, stick to your ribs kind of meal any weeknight during these cold winter months, grab your Dutch oven and cook up Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon. I have no doubt this dish will become a fast favorite when short on time and have a taste for something different. All ingredients can be purchased ahead of time and prepped the night before cooking. Nothing like being prepared and ready to start cooking when you walk in the door. My job is to save you time and help you create delicious meals for yourself and your family. Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon is that recipe and excellent served with a side of hot buttered cornbread. Enjoy!

Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon

Braised Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Danish Bacon

One head green cabbage, cored, quartered, and cut into ½ inch strips

1 pound smoked sausage or smoked kielbasa, cut into ½ inch slices

1 pound Danish bacon, cut into ½ inch cubes

One – 14 oz. can sauerkraut, drained

½ t. dried dill

1 ½ t. Vegeta All-Purpose Seasoning

3 cups chicken broth or more if needed

Salt and pepper to taste

In a 6 qt. Dutch oven on medium-high heat, sauté smoked sausage and bacon until browned, about 15 minutes. Add sauerkraut, dill and Vegeta. Stir to deglaze pot of any browned bits, cook until fragrant, about 10 minutes.

Add half of the cabbage and 1 cup chicken broth to pot to start wilting cabbage. Stir occasionally as cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes. Add remaining cabbage to pot to wilt and stir adding in more chicken broth if necessary.

Once cabbage is wilted, add remaining chicken broth. Stir and add salt and pepper to taste. Cover pot and simmer 35 minutes or until cabbage is tender.

Note: I use Randolph Street Smoked Sausage or Smoked Kielbasa but you can use your favorite brand.

Danish bacon and Vegeta can be found in markets selling international foods. If you cannot find Danish bacon, your favorite thick sliced bacon will work fine. If you cannot find Vegeta, use chicken bouillon granules, however, you may not need any additional salt.