Sausage With Charred Cabbage And Giardiniera
A bed of charred cabbage speckled with chopped giardiniera makes the perfect landing place for sweet Italian sausages and plenty of basil. This is a delicious recipe where beloved Midwest condiment of pickled veggies in a punchy-hot brine does double duty. The vegetables get finely chopped and tossed with charred cabbage and the brine gets transformed into a zesty vinaigrette that cloaks charred cabbage in a tangy, spicy sheen.
By Bon Appétit
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausages
- 2 lb green cabbage
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- 0.5 cup giardiniera brine
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 12-oz. jar vinegar-based giardiniera
- 0.5 cup basil leaves
- 0 basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium.
- Cook 1 lb. sweet Italian sausages, turning occasionally, until cooked through and most sides are browned, 12-16 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked sausages to a cutting board.
- Increase heat to high and heat pan until very hot. Arrange 2 lb. green cabbage, cut into 1" pieces, in pan.
- Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and crisp-tender, about 3-6 minutes.
- Transfer the cabbage to a medium bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk together 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard, 1/2 cup reserved giardiniera brine, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl.
- Drain a 12-oz. jar vinegar-based giardiniera, cut into bite-size pieces, and transfer them to the bowl with cabbage.
- Add 1/2 cup torn basil leaves and about half of the dressing to the bowl with cabbage and giardiniera, then toss to coat.
- Slice the sausages and arrange them on top of the cabbage mixture in the bowl.
- Scatter some whole basil leaves over the dish to garnish before serving.