Description
Hearty kielbasa and green beans slow-cooked to perfection bring rustic comfort to dinner tables. Polish-inspired flavors meld together, creating a simple yet satisfying meal for families seeking nourishing weeknight dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved (red or yellow potatoes work well)
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans (15 oz) green beans, drained)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsps butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preparation: Layer kielbasa, green beans, potatoes, and onions in the slow cooker, creating a hearty base that promises robust flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Generously dust the layers with garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated for maximum taste intensity.
- Liquid Integration: Cascade chicken broth over the mixture, strategically submerging ingredients to promote moisture and flavor development during the cooking process.
- Enrichment: Dot small butter pieces throughout the crockpot to introduce a luxurious richness that will seamlessly bind the components.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and set the cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to tenderize and harmonize their complex flavor profiles.
- Midpoint Intervention: Gently stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent any potential scorching.
- Presentation: Carefully transfer the aromatic medley to a serving dish, ensuring each portion captures the perfect balance of kielbasa, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally crown the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a delicate sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the visual and flavor experience.
- Serving Suggestion: Accompany with crusty bread or cornbread to transform this slow-cooked creation into a fully satisfying, rustic meal.
Notes
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp green beans and high-quality kielbasa for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring the ingredients are at peak freshness before slow cooking.
- Optimize Liquid Ratio: Pour chicken broth carefully to prevent oversaturation, keeping vegetables slightly above liquid level for ideal moisture without becoming soggy or waterlogged.
- Layer Strategically: Arrange ingredients in distinct layers, placing potatoes at bottom and kielbasa on top to help distribute heat evenly and prevent ingredients from becoming mushy during extended cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning Flexibility: Customize spice blend based on personal preference, reducing salt for low-sodium diets or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat, allowing recipe to accommodate different taste profiles and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg