ADVERTISEMENT
### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this heartwarming Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew.
#### **Step 1: Brown the Sausages**
To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausages to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point; you’re just looking to achieve a nice golden brown color and crispness on the outside.
Once the sausages are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. You’ll return them to the pot later to finish cooking.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic**
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
The onion and garlic will absorb any delicious bits left behind by the sausages, infusing the stew with even more flavor.
#### **Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth**
Now, add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and rosemary. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
The broth will help to deglaze the pot and release any remaining flavors from the sausages, onions, and garlic.
#### **Step 4: Simmer the Stew**
Once the broth is simmering, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften. You can check the potatoes by poking them with a fork—if they’re tender and easily pierced, it’s time to move on to the next step.
#### **Step 5: Add the Cabbage and Sausages**
Now, it’s time to add the cabbage and sausages back into the pot. First, slice the cabbage into thin strips and add it to the pot. Then, slice the browned sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them to the stew.
Stir everything to combine, then cover the pot and let it simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sausages are fully cooked through.
#### **Step 6: Season and Taste**
After the stew has simmered and all the ingredients are tender, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the sausages will already provide some saltiness to the dish.
#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve immediately. For an extra touch of flavor, you can melt butter with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice and drizzle it over the stew just before serving.
### Variations on Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew
While the basic version of Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is delicious as it is, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
#### 1. **Use Different Sausages**
Although traditional Irish sausages are made from pork, you can experiment with different types of sausages based on your preferences. Try using chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner option, or opt for spicy sausages like chorizo for a kick of heat.
#### 2. **Add More Vegetables**
If you want to boost the nutritional content of the stew, consider adding more vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, or celery are all great additions that will complement the flavors of the sausages and cabbage.
#### 3. **Make It a One-Pot Meal**
To keep things simple, you can make this stew in a single pot by adding the potatoes, cabbage, and sausages at the same time. This will save you the hassle of cooking everything separately.
#### 4. **Make It Vegetarian**
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this stew, you can omit the sausages and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based sausages or simply increase the amount of vegetables to make the stew hearty and satisfying.
### Serving Suggestions for Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew
Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a filling and hearty meal, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
– **Irish Soda Bread**: The classic accompaniment to any Irish meal, Irish soda bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth of the stew.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: For an even heartier dish, serve the stew over mashed potatoes instead of regular boiled potatoes.
– **Roasted Root Vegetables**: A side of roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes will complement the earthy flavors of the stew.
– **Simple Green Salad**: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew makes excellent leftovers. The flavors continue to meld together as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to loosen it up.
### Conclusion
Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a hearty meal. With its savory sausages, tender cabbage, and rich broth, this stew brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try your own variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious taste of traditional Irish cooking.
