Polish Kapusta Kielbasa

Experience the hearty comfort of Polish Kapusta Kielbasa, a soul-warming dish that brings together smoky kielbasa sausage, tender cabbage, and tangy sauerkraut in a flavor-packed one-pot meal. Slowly simmered with fragrant garlic, caramelized onions, caraway seeds, and a touch of paprika, this traditional Eastern European recipe balances savory and tangy notes in every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s an effortless, slow-cooked dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fluffy boiled potatoes. Whether you're honoring your Polish roots or simply craving rustic, home-cooked comfort food, this kapusta kielbasa is sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage
• 1 medium head green cabbage
• 16 ounces sauerkraut
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Set aside.

Step 2

Core and shred the green cabbage into thin strips. Rinse and drain it thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.

Step 6

In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and softened.

Step 7

Stir in the cabbage and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften.

Step 8

Add the sauerkraut, vegetable broth, caraway seeds, paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir until well combined.

Step 9

Return the kielbasa to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 10

Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Step 12

Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 13

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1914.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1809.2

Total Fat 136.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 293.6mg	0%
Sodium 8565.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.0g	0%
Total Sugars 37.8g
Protein 57.6g	0%

Vitamin D 18.1IU	0%
Calcium 529.4mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 3450.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.0%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 20.4%