Brats & Cabbage

 

This is a remake of a Bangers & Mash recipe I saw recently.  I wanted to re-make this recipe without using mashed potatoes.  I love turnips and thought they would add some distinct flavor.  As an added benefit, I took made the leftovers into a hearty soup the next night!

Simple Cookery Brats & Cabbage

1 pkg brats – 5 links

1 large red onion, sliced in rings

1 head cabbage, chopped

6-8 turnips, peeled and diced

2 cups chicken broth or stock plus water

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

1/4 cup water

In large pot, combine cabbage, turnips, chicken broth and enough water to cover all.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer and cover.  Continue to simmer for 45 minutes or until cabbage reaches desired texture and turnips are fork tender.  If you like your veggies a little firmer, reduce cooking time.  Meanwhile, cook brats according to package directions and remove from skillet.  Cover with foil to keep warm.  In same skillet, add olive oil.  Add onions, and cook over medium low heat until slightly browned.  Add water and mustard, scraping the bottom of the pan to make your ‘gravy’.  Remove cabbage mixture with slotted spoon to reserve cooking liquid.  Layer in a casserole or serving dish.  Top with onion mixture and brats. 

Bonus recipe for leftovers:

By reserving the cooking liquid, you have a delicious start to a hearty soup.  Dice any leftover brats and store overnight in cooking liquid.

Brat & Cabbage Soup

4 cups leftover cabbage, turnip, onion, brat mixture

1 small onion, chopped

1 tomato chopped

1 teaspoon olive oil

to taste – red pepper flakes, salt, pepper

1-2 cups chicken broth

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and tomato.  Cook until tender.  Combine all ingredients in medium sauce pan – adding the desired amount of chicken broth depending on how thick you like your soup.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook another 15 minutes.