Quick Answer: The Best Side Dishes for Kielbasa and Cabbage
Some classic choices to pair with kielbasa and cabbage include mashed or boiled potatoes, pierogies, noodles like egg noodles or spaetzle, roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips, sauerkraut, and bread like rye bread or rolls. These hearty, comforting sides complement the flavors of the sausage and cabbage perfectly.
Complementing the Hearty Flavors
Kielbasa and cabbage make a satisfying meal on their own, but adding a starchy side dish can provide a perfect counterpoint and turn it into a well-rounded dinner. Since both the kielbasa and cabbage have bold, rich flavors, you’ll want sides that can hold their own. Hearty starches like potatoes or dumplings are ideal.
Mashed or boiled potatoes are a classic choice. They have a mild flavor that lets the kielbasa and cabbage shine. Roast potatoes also pair nicely and add some crispy texture. Just be sure to season them well with garlic, rosemary, paprika, or other herbs and spices so they are not bland.
Pierogies, those delicious Polish dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese, meat, or fruit fillings, are another excellent match. They have a similar hearty, comforting quality. Try different flavored fillings like potato and onion or sauerkraut and mushroom to switch things up.
Noodles like egg noodles, spaetzle, or pappardelle work well too. They soak up the delicious flavors of the cabbage and kielbasa. Cook them simply with some olive oil or butter, or go bold with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a creamy sauce.
Add Some Vegetables
While kielbasa and cabbage make a satisfying meal, adding some roasted vegetables can provide nutrition and more flavors and textures. Hearty root vegetables are a great choice.
Roasted carrots are sweet and delicious. Toss carrot sticks or coins with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F until lightly browned and tender. The natural sweetness complements the cabbage perfectly. Parsnips, celery root, or beets also pair nicely when roasted.
Onions are another excellent addition. Caramelize them by cooking sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat until deeply golden brown and highly flavorful. Their rich sweetness offsets the cabbage wonderfully.
Brussels sprouts or broccoli florets roasted with garlic and olive oil also make a tasty accompaniment. Their slight bitterness balances the kielbasa’s richness.
Don’t Forget the Sauerkraut
For an authentic Polish meal, you can’t go wrong by including sauerkraut on the side. Its sharp, tangy flavor provides the perfect foil for the richness of the kielbasa.
Look for good quality sauerkraut either in bags or in the refrigerated section. It’s delicious on its own, or try jazzing it up with caraway seeds, fennel, garlic, onions, apples, or white wine. You could also use other pickled vegetables like beets or green beans.
A bowl of sauerkraut adds beneficial probiotics as well as flavor. Just be sure to drain excess liquid before serving so it doesn’t make your meal soggy. A scoop of sauerkraut makes each bite of kielbasa and cabbage even better.
The Importance of Bread
No Polish meal is complete without bread! Rye bread or rolls are ideal for soaking up the delicious juices and flavors of the cabbage and kielbasa. The tang of rye complements them perfectly.
Look for authentic Polish or German rye breads like pumpernickel. Or pick up some crusty artisan rye rolls from the bakery. Serve them warm or crisped up in the oven with some butter or olive oil for dipping.
For an extra pop of flavor, try rye bread or rolls stuffed with cheese, onion, caraway seeds, or other savory ingredients. You could also serve other breads like baguettes, ciabatta, or raisin pecan bread. Just avoid anything too sweet or soft.
Sample Side Dish Menus
Here are a few sample side dish menus to give you ideas of flavor combinations that pair deliciously with kielbasa and cabbage:
Polish Classics
- Potato pancakes (latkes or placki)
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
Cheesy and Comforting
- Pierogies
- Buttered egg noodles
- Caramelized onions
Crunchy and Nutritious
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Sliced apple salad
Savory Mediterranean Flavors
- Roasted red peppers
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki or hummus
Choosing the Right Amounts
When deciding how much of each side dish to make, keep a few things in mind:
- Allow about 1/2 pound kielbasa and 1 pound cabbage per person.
- Plan for around 1 cup of starchy sides like potatoes or noodles per person.
- For roasted veggies, bake about 1 pound total to serve 4-6.
- Offer just a small side salad, around 1 cup per person.
- Provide 2-3 slices of bread per person.
- Limit sauerkraut to about 1/4 cup per person as an accent.
Adjust amounts based on the heartiness of the meal you want. More cabbage and starch makes it ultra comforting. Trimming the carbs and adding more vegetables lightens it up. Find a balance that works for you.
Full Meal Example
Here is an example full meal with kielbasa, cabbage, and delicious sides to give you an idea of how it all comes together:
Main Dishes:
– 1/2 pound kielbasa, sliced 1 inch thick
– 6 cups chopped cabbage, sautéed with onions
Sides:
– 1 cup mashed potatoes per person
– 1 cup roasted carrots slices
– 2-3 slices rye bread with butter
– 1/4 cup sauerkraut per person
This provides a satisfying but not too heavy meal the whole family will love. Mix and match the sides based on your preferences. Add a crisp green salad and some Polish beer, and dinner is served!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Cabbage
The key to delicious cabbage is to cook it properly so it reaches the ideal texture. Follow these tips:
- Shred or chop the cabbage thinly so it cooks quickly.
- Cook over medium-high heat in a skillet with some olive oil or butter.
- Add sliced onions and caraway seeds for flavor.
- Stir frequently and add a splash of water if it sticks.
- Cook until tender but still crunchy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the cabbage just until tender but not mushy keeps it from getting watery or sulfurous. With the right technique, it makes the perfect partner for kielbasa.
Full Recipe
Here is a delicious full recipe for kielbasa, braised cabbage, and potato pancakes to give you an idea of how to pull it all together:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa, cut into 1-inch slices
– 1 small head green cabbage, cored and sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, shredded
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
– Sour cream for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove to a plate and set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil to the pan along with the onions. Cook for 3 minutes until soft.
3. Add the cabbage and caraway seeds. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until cabbage is just tender.
4. Return the kielbasa to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
5. Make the potato pancakes: mix the shredded potatoes with flour, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick pan. Scoop 1/4 cup amounts of potato mixture into the pan. Flatten gently with a spatula.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
8. To serve: Place kielbasa cabbage mixture on plates. Top with potato pancakes. Garnish with sour cream.
Try this delicious recipe for a hearty, comforting meal. Adjust the sides based on your preferences. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good vegetarian sides for kielbasa and cabbage?
Some tasty vegetarian sides that would pair well include roasted cauliflower or broccoli, fried tofu, spaetzle, mushroom or lentil soup, garlic bread, roasted sweet potatoes, or loaded baked potatoes.
Can I make kielbasa and cabbage in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the kielbasa first, then add it to the slow cooker with chopped cabbage, onions, broth or water, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add diced potatoes halfway through if desired.
What is a good side for those who don’t like cabbage?
If you are serving kielbasa and cabbage to someone who doesn’t enjoy cabbage, try roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, egg noodles with caramelized onions, or zucchini gratin as alternative sides they may like better.
What type of beer pairs well with kielbasa and cabbage?
For the best beer pairing, try a pilsener, lager, or Weizen. The lighter maltiness contrasts the richness of the kielbasa nicely.avoid anything too hoppy. Polish beers like Perła or Żywiec work very well.
Can I prepare kielbasa and cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cabbage mixture 1-2 days in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat gently and serve. The leftover cooked cabbage also freezes well for longer storage.
Conclusion
Kielbasa and cabbage make a hearty, comforting meal, but the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Potatoes, pierogies, noodles, roasted veggies, sauerkraut, and good bread all complement the flavors perfectly. Taking care to prepare the cabbage properly helps ensure a delicious meal. With robust seasonings and the addition of rich, sweet, or tangy sides, this classic pairing is sure to satisfy.