This article explores a classic dish with a keto-friendly twist: kielbasa and cabbage. This simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Why Kielbasa and Cabbage?
The kielbasa and cabbage skillet dinner is classic Polish comfort food. Polish kielbasa smoked sausage and cabbage are a traditional combination. This dish is not only delicious but also aligns well with a ketogenic lifestyle, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.
Is Kielbasa and Cabbage Keto-Friendly?
Yes! The high fat content of kielbasa makes it a good choice for the ketogenic diet. It is also high in sodium, which many keto dieters find beneficial. Be sure to check labels though, as carb counts will vary based on brand, and some may not be good choices. Cabbage is a great vegetable choice for anyone watching their carbs and eating keto due to its low net carb content. Cruciferous veggies have a good deal of health benefits and cabbage when lightly sauteed, as in this recipe, maintains a nice crunchy texture. This recipe is actually low carb, containing approximately 7 net grams of carbohydrates per serving. For those adhering to a strict keto diet, substituting 1 tablespoon of onion powder and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for fresh versions can further reduce the carbohydrate content by about 10 grams for the entire dish, or roughly 2 grams per serving.
Ingredients for Keto Kielbasa and Cabbage
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage): Regular pork kielbasa or turkey kielbasa can be used.
- Cabbage: The star of the dish, providing a healthy and low-carb base.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Olive oil: For browning the kielbasa.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds the zest.
- Apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar): Provides a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Spices: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (optional) to taste.
- Optional additions: Caraway seeds (use sparingly!), bacon, Swerve brown sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This one-pan meal is uncomplicated and quick to prepare. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the sausage, core and chop the cabbage, chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Removing the core of the head of cabbage before chopping helps with even cooking. If using cabbage noodles, cut them into thin strips. A mandoline can be used for uniform slices, but a knife works just as well.
- Brown the kielbasa: Place a Dutch oven or deep, large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in half the oil and add the kielbasa. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to render fat and lightly brown the edges of the kielbasa slices. Remove the sausage to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pan along with the whole grain mustard, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Add red pepper flakes or caraway seeds, if desired.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the cabbage a bit at a time, mixing to coat as you do. Once it is all in the pan, reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring a couple of times to evenly cook.
- Combine and finish: Remove the lid and pour in the apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar). Toss, then add the kielbasa back into the pot. Mix and cook another minute, uncovered.
- Season and serve: Season the kielbasa and cabbage skillet with more salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
As with all classic recipes, there are many common variations:
- For speed and convenience: Use pre-shredded cabbage, coleslaw mix, or even shredded Brussels sprouts to make the dish. The results will be more in an "egg roll in a bowl" style, and while I prefer the larger slices, it does save time in both cutting and cooking.
- Add bacon: Cook sliced bacon in the skillet before adding the sausage for added flavor.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Sweet and Spicy: Use a sauce made with butter, garlic, onion powder, hot sauce, and Swerve brown sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many yummy options to complete this satisfying cabbage and sausage meal!
- Noodles: Cooked egg noodles are a popular choice to serve with this recipe.
- Potato sides: Baked potato, roasted baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potato salad are all good choices. Yellow or red potatoes pair particularly well with smoked sausages.
- Pierogies: A great traditional side with Polish sausage and cabbage. Serve them either fried, steamed, boiled, or air-fried.
- Rice: Brown or white rice with a little butter is a simple side dish solution that works.
- Bread: Crusty bread is a quick and easy carb to serve along with this cabbage and sausage skillet.
- Condiments: Grainy mustard and horseradish are traditional condiments served with the sausage. A dollop of sour cream is a delicious topping for this kielbasa dish too.
Tips and Notes
- Kielbasa can have quite a few carbs, so slice it thin and then cut it in half to make it seem like more.
- You can substitute a flavored sausage instead of kielbasa if you wanted to.
- If you want more sauce, go for it! The sauce isn't as high in carbs as the cabbage and kielbasa.
- It's important to cut the cabbage noodles into thin strips. You don't want them too thick, or it will take longer to cook.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover kielbasa and cabbage skillet dinner in an airtight container promptly after cooling. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can Kielbasa and Cabbage Be Frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the sausage and cabbage recipe. Cooked cabbage tends to get mushy and unappetizing when frozen. However, if you choose to freeze it, place leftovers in a sealed, airtight, and freezer-safe container. To thaw, just place in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet until warmed through.
Cabbage: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Cabbage is a healthy gem and a staple of low-carb cooking. It is great for weight loss in general. Cabbage is high in vitamin C, fiber, and also very low in calories. It is loaded with B vitamins and needed minerals like potassium. Many claim it is a perfect cleanse for the digestive tract.
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