Smoked sausage stew (soup)

Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Stew (Soup) – A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Meal

If you’re craving a hearty, warming meal that’s packed with flavour and easy to prepare, this smoked sausage and cabbage stew (or soup!) is the answer. Made with sliced smoked kielbasa sausage, tender cabbage, and hearty vegetables, this recipe is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a fuss-free, family-friendly dinner.

I accidentally came up with this when we had a huge storm and we had no gas for the stove. The log burner was roaring hot so I put a pot on top and went through the fridge. Although the original had extras like courgette and pasta this is my base recipe. Sometimes I add courgette, butternut squash, or swap out potatoes for cannelini or haricot beans.

Whether you call it a stew or a soup, one thing’s for sure—it’s comforting, nutritious, and loaded with deep savoury flavour thanks to caramelised onions, garlic, and that unmistakable smokiness from the sausage.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more flavour.

Budget-friendly ingredients – Cabbage, potatoes, and carrots are staples.

Great for meal prep – It gets even better the next day.

Customisable heat – Add chilli flakes for a gentle kick.

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Ingredients

200g smoked sausage, sliced (Solokow or kielbasa recommended)

1 large onion, diced

3 large carrots, diced

3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced

2 tbsp tomato purée

1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

3 medium potatoes, cut into medium chunks

300g white cabbage or sweetheart cabbage, diced

1 litre chicken stock

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: ½ tsp chilli flakes for gentle heat

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy at the edges (about 5–6 minutes).

2. Add Aromatics and Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion and carrots. Cook for another 8–10 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelise.

3. Build the Flavour

Add the tomato purée and grated garlic. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce the sharpness of the purée.

4. Simmer the Stew

Pour in the chopped tomatoes, add the potatoes, and stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Add the Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the stew is rich and fragrant.

6. Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a touch of heat, stir in ½ tsp chilli flakes. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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Storage Tips

This smoked sausage and cabbage soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Variations & Add-Ons

Add a handful of chopped kale or spinach at the end for extra greens.

Swap potatoes for white beans for a lower-carb version.