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Cabbage Goulash Savory Blend

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features cabbage, smoked sausage, potatoes, and paprika, gently simmered together with savory broth. The cabbage soaks up vibrant spices while the sausage adds a deep, smoky flavor, balanced by tender potatoes. Onions and garlic provide an aromatic kick, creating layers of flavor in every serving. Each bite brings together sweet and savory notes with a combination of crunchy cabbage and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, making this dish both satisfying and comforting. Serve it hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread for a heartwarming meal that brings traditional Central European comfort to your table.

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Authored By Elisa
Updated on Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:29:35 GMT
A plate of food with sausage and cabbage. Bookmark
A plate of food with sausage and cabbage. | recipesbyelisa.com

Cabbage Goulash perfectly blends rustic comfort with layers of smoky, robust flavor. The cabbage soaks up savory broth and paprika while sausages add richness and depth, making this dish a star at family tables throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is nourishing, deeply satisfying, and feels like warmth on a cold day.

I first cooked this for my parents on a chilly March evening and was surprised how even cabbage skeptics went back for seconds. It has since become my go to recipe when I crave something hearty but simple.

Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Cabbage is tender yet crunchy and absorbs flavors beautifully Pick tight firm heads for best results
  • Sausages: Smoked or spicy sausages add meaty depth and a hint of smokiness Choose high quality sausages with minimal fillers
  • Onions: Chopped onions transform into a golden sweet base after slow cooking Look for heavy onions without soft spots
  • Garlic: A few garlic cloves bring a fresh aromatic kick Select plump cloves for peak flavor
  • Paprika: This spice gives color and smoky sweetness Choose vibrant red Hungarian paprika whenever possible
  • Potatoes: Diced potatoes thicken and bulk up the stew Choose starchy varieties for best texture
  • Broth: A savory broth ties everything together Use homemade or a low sodium store bought option

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:
Chop the cabbage into bite sized pieces Peel and dice the potatoes Slice sausages into rounds This helps everything cook evenly and absorb flavor
Brown the Sausages:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add sliced sausages and cook until browned on both sides then remove and set aside This step brings out the sausage flavor
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot add chopped onions and cook gently until translucent about five minutes Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant
Add Paprika and Vegetables:
Sprinkle paprika onto the onion and garlic mix Stir well to release the flavor Add cabbage and potatoes and stir to coat with the spice and aromatics
Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil Once boiling reduce heat to a simmer Return browned sausages to the pot Season with salt and pepper to your liking
Cook Until Tender:
Cover and let simmer for thirty to forty minutes Stir occasionally The goal is soft cabbage and potatoes with all flavors melded together
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle goulash into bowls Top with fresh parsley for a bright finish This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a crisp green salad
A plate of food with a cabbage goulash. Bookmark
A plate of food with a cabbage goulash. | recipesbyelisa.com

My favorite part is always the way the cabbage takes on the smoky sausage flavor It reminds me of helping my grandmother slice cabbage for Sunday lunches when I was little Every time I make this dish it feels like bringing a little piece of family tradition into my own home

Storage Tips

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The flavors deepen as it sits making it even tastier the next day Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up

Ingredient Substitutions

No smoked sausage on hand Try diced ham or cooked bacon For a vegetarian spin swap sausage for smoked tofu and use vegetable broth Red bell pepper or carrot can stand in for potato if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cabbage Goulash ladled over mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort Try with rye bread or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy tang A sprinkle of fresh dill or chives is a nice touch

A plate of food with a sausage and vegetables. Bookmark
A plate of food with a sausage and vegetables. | recipesbyelisa.com

Cultural Context

Cabbage Goulash has roots in Hungarian and Slavic cuisines where cabbage is a cold weather staple This dish highlights thrifty cooking with ingredients that store well over long winters and it is a beloved comfort food in many families

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What makes this dish so flavorful?

The unique combination of smoked sausage, cabbage, onions, garlic, and Hungarian paprika delivers a deep, rich taste with both sweet and savory notes.

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, any smoked or spicy sausage, such as chorizo or kielbasa, infuses the dish with robust flavor. Vegetarian sausage also works well for a meatless option.

→ What vegetables work best with this dish?

Cabbage and potatoes are traditional, but you can include carrots, bell peppers, or celery for extra texture and sweetness.

→ Is it possible to make this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors develop even more after resting. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

→ What pairs well as a side dish?

Fresh crusty bread or a simple green salad both complement the hearty flavors and soak up the savory broth.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this meal freezes well. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cabbage Goulash Smoky Sausage

Cabbage, sausage, paprika, and potatoes create a hearty, flavorful dish rich in tender textures and warming tastes.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time Required
60 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: Central European

Servings Count: 4 Number of Servings (Serves 4 as a main dish)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Alternative

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Vegetables

Ingredient 01 1 medium head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Ingredient 02 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Ingredient 03 1 large onion, finely chopped
Ingredient 04 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meat

Ingredient 05 350 g smoked sausages or spicy chorizo, sliced into 1 cm rounds

→ Spices and Seasonings

Ingredient 06 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
Ingredient 07 0.5 teaspoon caraway seeds
Ingredient 08 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Other

Ingredient 10 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 11 800 ml vegetable broth or chicken stock
Ingredient 12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes. Slice the sausages into 1-centimetre rounds. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 02

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Add the paprika and caraway seeds, coating the onions and garlic. Incorporate the chopped cabbage and diced potatoes, stirring to combine evenly.

Step 05

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, return the browned sausages to the pot, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Cover and let simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender and the flavours meld.

Step 07

Ladle the goulash into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Ideal as a main course alongside crusty bread or a green salad.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. For a spicier goulash, incorporate a small amount of hot paprika or sliced chili with the sausage.
  2. The dish benefits from resting for several minutes before serving, allowing its flavours to deepen.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains potential gluten if broth or sausages include wheat-based ingredients

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fat Amount: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 28 grams
  • Protein Amount: 18 grams