Polish Sausage-Kraut Skillet
A hearty Polish sausage and sauerkraut skillet combining savory sausages, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a comforting family meal with bold, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tsp instant beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp caraway seed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 5 precooked Polish sausages (about 1 lb.)
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook the sliced onion and minced garlic in butter or margarine until the onion is tender but not browned.
- Stir in the sliced potatoes, carrots, water, beef bouillon granules, sugar, and caraway seed.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Place the rinsed and drained sauerkraut and precooked Polish sausages atop the vegetables.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the sausages are heated through.
- Stir the flour into the sour cream, then stir into the sausage-kraut mixture and heat through.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the butter with bacon fat or using smoked sausage for a deeper taste. If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced frozen vegetables instead of fresh. To thicken the sauce, adjust the amount of flour based on your desired consistency; gradually add it to ensure a smooth blend. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. For a more robust spread, complement it with sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy apple slaw to enhance the flavors of the sausage and sauerkraut.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Sausage-Kraut Skillet contains roughly 998 calories, with 41g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 51g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sauerkraut can add a brighter flavor and crunch. Just remember to rinse it thoroughly to reduce the saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly during cooking.
What can I substitute for Polish sausage?
If Polish sausage isn't available, try using kielbasa, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each will bring its unique flavor while still being delicious in this dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).