Stewed Sauerkraut with Kielbasa

Ingredients

• 14 oz Polish Kielbasa (sliced into 1/2‑inch pieces)
• 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil (for browning the kielbasa)
• 1.5 large Onion (chopped)
• 1.5 cup Carrots (shredded)
• 1 head Green Cabbage (shredded; you can use half a head if preferred)
• 2 lb Sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry; bagged brand preferred)
• 1 cup Ketchup (adjust to taste; adds sweet‑sour flavor)
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (ground, or to taste)
• 3 pieces Bay Leaves (remove before serving)
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, to balance excess sourness)

Instructions

1. Brown the Kielbasa

   Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1/4 cup oil, then add the sliced kielbasa. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Caramelize the Onions

   Reduce the heat to low, add the chopped onions to the same oil. Stir and cook until they turn a light golden brown, about 8 minutes.

   Time: PT8M

3. Soften the Carrots

   Add the shredded carrots to the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

4. Cook the Cabbage

   Stir in the shredded cabbage, cover the Dutch oven, and let it cook on medium‑low heat until the cabbage shrinks and releases its liquid, about 5 minutes. Keep the lid on until most of the liquid evaporates but the cabbage does not start to brown.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Sauerkraut and Return Kielbasa

   Stir in the drained sauerkraut, mixing it evenly with the vegetables. Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and combine.

   Time: PT2M

6. Season and Simmer

   Add 1 cup ketchup, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 3 bay leaves. Stir thoroughly, cover, and let the stew simmer for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

   Time: PT30M

7. Rest and Serve

   Turn off the heat, keep the pot covered, and let the stew rest for 5 minutes so the flavors marry. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and, if desired, garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

5 g