Cabbage with spicy sausages

Spicy Sausage Cabbage: A Recipe for Comfort and Flavor

Get ready to explore a delicious and comforting recipe that combines the intense flavors of spicy sausages with the tenderness of cabbage. This classic spicy sausage cabbage recipe is perfect for cool evenings and is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 2 heads of cabbage (about 1.5 kg)
- 2-3 pieces of spicy sausages (preferably pork)
- 5 slices of bacon (about 150 g)
- 1/2 cup of water (about 100 ml)
- 1 cup of tomato juice (about 250 ml)
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 6-8 peppercorns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, finely chopped (for serving)

Step by step: How to prepare spicy sausage cabbage

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage
1. Start by washing the heads of cabbage well under cold running water to remove any impurities.
2. Cut the cabbage into thin strips (julienne). You can do this manually or with a food processor if you prefer to save time.
3. Place the cut cabbage in a large bowl, add a little salt, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the cabbage and release its juices.

Step 2: Preparing the sausages and bacon
4. Cut the sausages into thick slices and the bacon into strips. These ingredients will add rich flavor and extra taste to the dish.
5. In a large pot, add a little oil over medium heat and let it warm up. Add the sausages and bacon and fry them for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Once they are ready, remove them from the pot and place them on a plate, leaving the oil in the pot to continue cooking the cabbage.

Step 3: Cooking the cabbage
7. Add the cabbage to the pot, little by little, stirring constantly. Keep in mind that the cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks.
8. After adding all the cabbage, let it sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly translucent.
9. Then add 1/2 cup of water and the tomato juice, mixing well to combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Seasoning
10. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
11. Meanwhile, peel the tomatoes and cut them into slices. Add them to the pot after the cabbage has cooked halfway.
12. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Finishing the dish
13. Once the cabbage is well cooked, add the fried sausages and bacon back into the pot. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
14. Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped dill on top and gently stir to incorporate it.

Serving suggestions
Spicy sausage cabbage is served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or a polenta cone. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer for a truly comforting meal.

Tips and variations
- Vary the sausages: You can use different types of sausages (beef sausages, smoked sausages) depending on your preferences.
- Add spices: If you like more intense flavors, you can also add a pinch of chili pepper or sweet paprika during the sautéing of the cabbage.
- Maintain freshness: If you have leftover cabbage, you can store it in the refrigerator, and the next day the taste will be even better as the flavors will meld perfectly.

Nutritional benefits
Cabbage is a vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, offering many health benefits. The sausages and bacon add protein, while the tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Together, these ingredients provide a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions
- Can this dish be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the spicy sausage cabbage, but it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible to preserve the texture and flavor.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version? Replace the sausages and bacon with smoked tofu or vegetarian sausages, and the taste will be just as delicious!
- Is this a healthy recipe? Yes, if you prepare it with quality ingredients and consume it in moderation, it is a healthy option for a balanced meal.

We wish you much success in preparing this spicy sausage cabbage recipe! Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or prepare it for yourself, we are sure it will become one of your favorites. Enjoy your meal!