Description
Polish comfort cuisine shines through this hearty kielbasa and sauerkraut skillet, blending smoky sausage with tangy fermented cabbage. Robust flavors meld together in one pan, promising a quick, satisfying meal that connects you with traditional Eastern European cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ large red onion (optional)
Sauerkraut and Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sauerkraut, drained
Seasoning and Cooking Fats:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Delicately slice the red onion into whisper-thin semicircles, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking and visual appeal.
- Melt butter and olive oil in a spacious cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, allowing the fats to shimmer and create a perfect searing environment.
- Carefully place the kielbasa sausage into the heated skillet, allowing each side to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the beautifully browned kielbasa to a temporary plate, preserving its warmth and crisp texture.
- Without cleaning the skillet, introduce the sauerkraut, sliced red onions, rich brown sugar, and robust whole grain mustard into the same pan, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.
- Gently stir and sauté the mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld and the onions to soften and become translucent, typically requiring 5-8 minutes of cooking time.
- Reintroduce the seared kielbasa to the skillet, delicately tossing to ensure even distribution of flavors and complete ingredient integration.
- Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and optional garnish of fresh thyme or parsley for a vibrant touch of color and aromatic enhancement.
Notes
- Quickly brown kielbasa to lock in rich, smoky flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Choose high-quality sauerkraut for authentic tangy taste and probiotic benefits.
- Balance the sauerkraut’s tanginess with a touch of brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory harmony.
- Customize the dish by using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- One-pan meal saves time on cooking and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious skillet juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg