Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet: A Crowd-Pleasing Feast!
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal to feed a crowd? Look no further than Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet! This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and perfect for potlucks, tailgate parties, or any gathering where you need to serve a lot of people without breaking the bank. It’s packed with savory kielbasa, tender cabbage, sweet onions, and just the right amount of seasoning. This isn’t your grandma’s bland boiled cabbage – this skillet is bursting with flavor! We’re talking smoky, savory, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Scalable:** The recipe is easily doubled or tripled to accommodate any size crowd. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage and kielbasa are inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option when you’re feeding a large group on a budget.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Everything cooks in one large skillet, minimizing cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
* **Flavor Bomb:** The combination of kielbasa, cabbage, onions, and simple spices creates a surprisingly complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add other vegetables, different types of sausage, or your favorite seasonings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The skillet can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy schedules.
## Ingredients
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people. Adjust the quantities based on your needs.
* **3-4 pounds Kielbasa Sausage:** We recommend a good quality Polish kielbasa for the best flavor. You can use smoked or unsmoked kielbasa, depending on your preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, you could even use a jalapeno cheddar kielbasa.
* **1 large head Cabbage (about 3-4 pounds):** Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use Savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor. Red cabbage will work too, but it will change the color of the dish.
* **2 large Yellow Onions:** Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and flavor. You could also use white onions or even Vidalia onions for a sweeter taste.
* **4 cloves Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic. You can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil if needed.
* **1 cup Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the skillet. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water.
* **1 tablespoon Paprika:** Paprika adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color. Smoked paprika will enhance the smoky flavor even more.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Thyme adds an earthy and herbaceous flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper is preferred.
* **1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Salt to taste:** Be careful with the salt, as kielbasa is already quite salty. Taste and adjust accordingly.
* **Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
* **Optional additions:** Caraway seeds, apple cider vinegar, diced apples, potatoes, bell peppers
## Equipment
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A 12-inch or larger skillet or a Dutch oven is recommended. Make sure it has a lid.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for chopping.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* **Kielbasa:** Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If the kielbasa is very thick, you can halve the rounds as well.
* **Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage into quarters through the core. Remove the core from each quarter. Then, thinly slice the cabbage. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this, but be careful!
* **Onions:** Peel and slice the onions thinly.
* **Garlic:** Mince the garlic.
* **Parsley:** Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic**
* Heat the olive oil in the large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
**Step 3: Brown the Kielbasa**
* Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
* Cook until the kielbasa is browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, brown the kielbasa in batches.
**Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings**
* Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot of cabbage, but it will cook down significantly.
* Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Season with salt to taste. Remember that kielbasa is already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
**Step 5: Add the Broth and Simmer**
* Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
* Stir everything together to combine.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
* Simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly. If the skillet seems dry, add a little more chicken broth.
**Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings**
* Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
**Step 7: Serve**
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve hot. This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rye bread.
## Variations and Tips
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as diced potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, or celery. Add them along with the cabbage.
* **Use different types of sausage:** While kielbasa is the classic choice, you can also use other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or bratwurst. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Add caraway seeds:** Caraway seeds add a distinctive flavor that complements cabbage and kielbasa perfectly. Add about 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds along with the other spices.
* **Add apple cider vinegar:** A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavor of the dish. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
* **Add diced apples:** Diced apples add a touch of sweetness and texture to the skillet. Use a tart apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Add the apples along with the cabbage.
* **Make it in a slow cooker:** This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, starting with the onions and garlic, then the kielbasa, cabbage, and seasonings. Pour the chicken broth over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Make it vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas. You may also want to add some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the kielbasa.
* **Adjust the cooking time:** The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the cabbage and the heat of your stovetop. The cabbage is done when it is tender and slightly wilted.
* **Don’t overcook the cabbage:** Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and bitter. Cook it until it is tender but still has some texture.
* **Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven:** This will help to prevent the cabbage from sticking and burning.
* **Stir occasionally:** Stirring occasionally will help to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly.
* **Adjust the amount of liquid:** If the skillet seems dry, add a little more chicken broth. If the skillet seems too wet, remove the lid and cook for a few minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate.
* **Let it rest:** Allowing the skillet to rest for a few minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together.
## Serving Suggestions
Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
* **As a main course:** Serve the skillet on its own as a hearty and satisfying main course.
* **With mashed potatoes:** The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the skillet.
* **With egg noodles:** Egg noodles are another great option for soaking up the delicious sauce from the skillet.
* **With rye bread:** Rye bread is a classic accompaniment to kielbasa and cabbage.
* **As a side dish:** Serve the skillet as a side dish to grilled meats or poultry.
* **As a potluck dish:** This skillet is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, as it is easy to transport and serves a large crowd.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply prepare the skillet as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as directed above.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on kielbasa)
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 20-25g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Big Ray’s Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet is a delicious, affordable, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its savory flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and crowd-pleasing feast! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!