Sautéed cabbage with sausages

Sautéed cabbage with sausages is a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, bringing a comforting and aromatic dish to your table. This recipe is perfect for chilly days when we want to indulge in a hearty and tasty main course. Moreover, it is simple to prepare, and the ingredients are accessible and easy to find.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 pickled cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 raw cabbage (approximately 1 kg)
- 2 medium onions
- 4-5 medium tomatoes (or a can of tomatoes in their juice)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 400 g sausages (preferably smoked or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste

The story behind the recipe:
Sautéed cabbage with sausages is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations, perfectly exemplifying how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly delicious. Cabbage, a staple ingredient in many cultures, is often associated with family meals, bringing people together around the table to share not just food, but also moments of joy.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will help you organize your time better and enjoy the cooking process.

2. Sautéing the onion:
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and begins to soften. This step will develop the base flavors of the dish.

3. Preparing the cabbage:
Meanwhile, slice the pickled cabbage and raw cabbage into thin strips. Add the cabbage to the pot over the onion and mix well. Let the cabbage sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes soft.

4. Adding the flavors:
After the cabbage has softened, add the tomato juice, sweet paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let everything simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. This is when the flavors will combine and create a delicious sauce.

5. Preparing the tomatoes:
Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the pot. Gently stir and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. At this point, you can smell the inviting aroma spreading throughout the kitchen.

6. Transferring to the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the cabbage mixture to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it bake for one hour. This will allow the cabbage to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a rich and tasty dish.

7. Preparing the sausages:
While the cabbage is baking, you can prepare the sausages. You can fry them in a pan with a little oil until they are browned and crispy on all sides. The sausages add an extra layer of flavor and texture to this dish.

8. Finalizing the dish:
After an hour, take the sautéed cabbage out of the oven, remove the aluminum foil, and place the fried sausages on top. Put the dish back in the oven for another 15 minutes, so the flavors combine perfectly.

9. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top for an extra touch of freshness. It is delicious served alongside a portion of polenta or fresh bread.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add a little chopped hot pepper when sautéing the onion.
- Pickled cabbage can be replaced with fresh cabbage, but in this case, you will need to add a bit of vinegar to provide acidity.
- You can experiment with different types of sausages, such as pork, beef, or even vegetarian sausages.
- This recipe can also be prepared in advance and reheated, making it ideal for family meals or parties.

Nutritional values:
A serving of sautéed cabbage with sausages contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of sausages used. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, while sausages add healthy proteins and fats. This dish is a good source of fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can it be made without sausages? Absolutely! Sautéed cabbage is delicious and vegetarian, and you can add mushrooms or tofu for an extra protein boost.
- Can I use fresh cabbage? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit of vinegar to provide acidity.
- What drinks pair well? A pale beer or a dry white wine are excellent options that complement the flavors of the dish.

I encourage you to try this sautéed cabbage with sausages recipe, enjoy every step of the cooking process, and share this dish with your loved ones. It is more than a meal; it is an occasion to create pleasant memories around the table. Cooking is an art, and you are the artist!