Skillet Special

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A hearty skillet dish featuring savory Polish sausage, tender cabbage, and onions cooked in flavorful bacon drippings, perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

  • bacon drippings
  • 1 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
  • 1 to 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 lb. Polish sausage, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat bacon drippings in a large skillet with a lid.
  2. Add the chopped cabbage and onions to the skillet.
  3. Add the sliced Polish sausage to the skillet.
  4. Cook until the cabbage is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or caraway seeds while cooking. If you don’t have bacon drippings, butter or olive oil can be substituted, though the taste will differ. You can also use any type of sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or bratwurst, to customize the dish. For an extra kick, try adding some red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Skillet Special hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For those looking for more options, consider serving it alongside a Tomato Cheese Snack or even as a hearty filling for wraps. This dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Skillet Special can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well, so consider portioning it out for later meals. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the same heating instructions.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Skillet Special contains roughly 437 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 806mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

437 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 26.9g 34% DV
Carbs 38.8g 14% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 5.9g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 805.6mg 35% DV
Potassium 228.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 25.4mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.7mcg
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Calcium 39.5mg 3% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage for a color variation or napa cabbage for a milder flavor. Each will slightly alter the taste and texture but will still work well in this dish.

How do I know when the cabbage is tender?

Cabbage is tender when it becomes translucent and soft to the bite, usually taking about 10-15 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or even potatoes can be added for more flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed for those vegetables to become tender.

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).

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