Imagine a dish that captures the soul of Louisiana cuisine in every single bite - a recipe that transforms humble cabbage into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. The Smothered Cabbage Rue Chartres is not just a side dish; it's a culinary journey through the rich, bold flavors of Cajun cooking that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the cabbage thoroughly and chopping it into roughly 1-inch pieces. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium-high heat until it develops a nice golden color and releases its oils, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add sliced onions to the sausage and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Carefully add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and onions. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the cabbage.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, which will help create steam and prevent burning. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
- Allow the cabbage to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly wilted, approximately 20-25 minutes. The cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the cabbage seems dry, add a bit more chicken broth. The final dish should be moist but not soupy.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a hearty side dish or light main course, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, crisp cabbage head for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process - slow and low is the secret to tender, flavorful cabbage.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the Cajun seasoning.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 114kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 13mg
