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One-Pot Keto Sausage and Cabbage Skillet — German-Polish Keto recipe, 28 min, serves 4German-Polish

One-Pot Keto Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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KetoLow carbGluten-freeHigh protein

Smoky kielbasa, tender braised cabbage, sweet onions, and caraway — the Central European peasant dish that happens to be perfectly keto. 7 g net carbs per serving, 28 minutes, one skillet.

28
min
10
prep
🔥
18
cook
👥
4
servings
410
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Sear 3-4 minutes until edges are crisp and brown.

4:00
💡 The rendered fat from the sausage is the cooking fat for the rest of the dish. Don't drain it.
2

Add sliced onion and butter to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes until onions are soft and slightly golden.

5:00
3

Stir in garlic, caraway seeds, and smoked paprika. Cook 60 seconds until aromatic.

4

Add shredded cabbage in batches, stirring each batch in as it wilts to make room for the next.

💡 Cabbage looks like a mountain at first but cooks down to about a quarter of its raw volume.
5

Pour in chicken broth, vinegar, and Dijon. Bring to a simmer.

6

Cover and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still has slight crunch.

12:00
7

Season with salt and pepper. Top with parsley. Serve hot from the skillet.

💡 A spoonful of sour cream on top is traditional and brings a cool tang to the smoky-sweet base.

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Common Questions

Net carbs per serving?
Approximately 7 g — cabbage has 3 g per 100 g cooked, plus a small amount from onion and vinegar.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes — same volume. Shredding cabbage from a whole head gives slightly better texture but bagged is fine for weeknight.
What sausage works besides kielbasa?
Smoked sausage (most kinds), Polish white sausage, German bockwurst, or smoked andouille. Fresh Italian sausage won't work — different flavour profile entirely.
Serve with what?
Mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles. Some keto eaters serve with low-carb mustard or sour cream — both traditional accompaniments.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir, or unoaked Chardonnay if you prefer white.
🍺
Beer
Pale ale or pilsner — light enough to not overpower.
🍸
Cocktail
Classic gin and tonic with cucumber.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.

Why this recipe works

Pro tips

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The story behind this recipe ▾
This dish has roots in German 'Kohl und Würstchen' and Polish 'kapusta z kiełbasą' — traditional peasant fare from regions where cabbage stored well through winter and sausage was the everyday protein. The keto-friendly nature is incidental; the dish has always been low-carb.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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