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    Home » Recipes

    Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta

    March 17, 2020 *Updated* March 29, 2022 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 30 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    This classic recipe for Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta has been enjoyed in my family for years.

    If you love sauerkraut and kielbasa, this easy-to-make recipe is just what you need. Whether you think it is Polish or Ukrainian, this combination is a winner.

    Traditional Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta in a serving bowl

    I love all versions of Ukrainian comfort food. Love the taste of cabbage rolls but not all the work? Give this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole a try.

    If you are a potato lover, Ukrainian potatoes with green onion and dill are the perfect side to steak and more.

    Join Our Mailing List

    You will receive a FREE PANTRY STAPLES PRINTABLE and easy recipes to make with them.

    Looking for a traditional Ukrainian dessert recipe? Ukrainian Cheesecake also called Syrnyk is a great choice. This is an Easter treat.

    When I was a child, I was lucky enough to have access to homemade sauerkraut. We called it kapusta. For this recipe, I use store-bought.

    When you combine kobasa with anything, it is going to be delicious.

    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this kielbasa and cabbage recipe are at the bottom of this post.

    Is it called kubasa, kielbasa or kobasa? This article in the Winnipeg Free Press is an interesting read. Some even call it Polish sausage.

    All the Ukrainians in my family refer to it as kobasa. I was even lucky enough to be a judge in a meat competition to crown the award-winning kobassa champion.

    Ingredients List

    This is basically a braised sauerkraut recipe, with the addition of meat and seasonings. You will need:

    • oil
    • onion
    • sauerkraut (homemade or store-bought)
    • salt and pepper
    • fennel seed
    • kobasa/kielbasa
    The ingredients kobasa, sauerkraut and diced onion and fennel seeds

    For this recipe, I used a *(affiliate) cast-iron skillet. Feel free to use whatever type of frying pan you wish.

    Lots of recipes call for bacon, but I prefer to use *(affiliate) bacon flavoured olive oil.

    For the *(affiliate) fennel seeds I used a *(affiliate) mortar and pestle to crush them.

    Fennel seeds getting crushed in a mortar and pestle.

    Difference Between Kapusta and Sauerkraut

    Kapusta is the Ukrainian and Polish word for cabbage. It can refer to braised cabbage or sauerkraut.

    Baba and mom would make this with cabbage from the garden.

    They would shred the cabbage with a large mandolin (shredder) into a crock. Layers of salt would be added. Then a wooden lid would be placed on top, weighted down with a large rock or brick.

    The cabbage would then ferment for several weeks. The sauerkraut was then preserved in glass jars just like pickles.

    Used in lots of great ways like cabbage and noodles, potatoes and sauerkraut or kapusta soup. Have you tried sauerkraut pierogies? They need to be topped with my Pierogi Sauce.

    Speaking of meat and braised cabbage, Corned Beef and Potato Skillet is a great recipe. Just replace the brussels sprouts with finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw for a great Irish dinner.

    Close up of sauerkraut and kielbasa in a serving bowl.

    Making Kobasa Kapusta

    All it takes is a skillet and a few ingredients. Get everything cut, diced and ready to go. In under 30 minutes dinner will be ready.

    • Dice the onion
    • Cut the kobasa (I like to cut it into pie-shaped pieces)
    • Crush the fennel seed
    • Drain and rinse the sauerkraut

    Recipe Tip: Be sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the sauerkraut. I like to put it into a bowl, pour boiling water over it, and let it sit for a few minutes.

    Then I will pour the contents into a colander and squeeze out all the excess liquid.

    Best Kobasa To Use? This is a personal preference. I used turkey kolbasa, but feel free to use ANY kind you wish. All will work. Be sure to REMOVE the skin before slicing.

    Collage photo of the steps to make the Kobasa Kapusta recipe.
    • Heat the oil in a frying pan
    • Add the diced onions, salt, pepper and fennel seed
    • Cook until the onions are nicely browned
    • Add the cut-up kobasa
    • Cook for several minutes to brown
    • Add the sauerkraut, and continue to cook until it is nicely warmed thoroughly
    Sauerkraut and kobasa cooking in a cast iron skillet.

    Since the majority of the ingredients are already cooked, you are only browning and heating.

    • Place in a serving bowl
    • This can be eaten as a stand-alone meal, or with a nice side
    • Potatoes or noodles are a great additional side to this dish
    • ENJOY!

    If your family is anything like mine, this kobasa and sauerkraut recipe can be enjoyed any night of the week. Pair it with some easy homemade soda bread.

    Traditional Ukrainian Kapusta with Kobasa in a serving bowl.

    It is often seen on the holiday dinner table at Christmas and Easter.

    Ukrainian Recipes

    Kapusta and kobasa have been part of my family for generations. I don’t know a Ukrainian that does not enjoy this traditional dish. We do love our cabbage rolls too.

    Growing up I thought Pickled Eggs were Ukrainian too. Since mom did so much canning, these were in the cold room along with all the other pickles. Little did I know (until I did the research) they originated in the UK.

    Mom’s Pea Soup was also a hit. Hubby quickly informed me that this was a French Canadian dish. He would know, he was born in Quebec.

    Baba’s Egg Noodle Casserole for sure is Ukrainian. My favourite after school snack when I was a child.

    Close up of kobasa and sauerkraut with a side of roasted potatoes.

    Cabbage In Recipes

    If you are looking for some creative ways to enjoy either fresh and or fermented cabbage, here are some great suggestions.

    • Keto Hamburger Soup
    • Traditional Red German Cabbage
    • Garlic Cabbage and Carrots
    • Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage
    • Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU. You will get a FREE PRINTABLE and recipes! FOLLOW ME on social media too.

    Kobasa Kapusta Pin Image
    Traditional Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta in a serving bowl

    Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta

    This traditional Ukrainian recipe combines sauerkraut and turkey kobasa for an easy to make skillet dish. Can be used as a main course or side dish.
    4.91 from 11 votes
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    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Ukrainian
    Keyword: Kobasa, Sauerkraut
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 208kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil (Bacon Flavoured)
    • 4 ounces onion (Diced)
    • ½ teaspoons fennel seeds (Crushed)
    • 16 ounces sauerkraut (Drained and rinsed)
    • 10 ounces kobasa (Skin removed and cut into pieces)
    • salt and pepper (For seasoning)
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Remove the skin from the kobasa, and cut into bite sized pieces. Place in a bowl.
    • Dice onion and place in a bowl.
    • Crush fennel seed using a mortar and pestle.
    • Drain and throughly rinse the sauerkraut using a colander. I like to use some boiling water for this.
    • Heat a frying pan over medium heat, and add the oil.
    • Add the onions and seasonings, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
    • Add the cut up kobasa and cook until nicely browned (about 6-8 minutes).
    • Add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut and cook until heated through (about 8-10 minutes).
    • Remove from heat and place in a serving bowl. This is a great main course, or side dish.
    • ENJOY!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 1599mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 9mg
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy

      February 18, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      I use caraway seeds instead of fennel seeds. I also add one apple peeled and diced small. I throw it all in my slow cooker with potatoes and I have a complete meal.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        February 20, 2021 at 9:03 am

        Well, that sounds like a delicious plan to me too. Winner dinner idea.

    2. Igor

      March 30, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Our family’s favorite. Super comforting and so easy to throw together!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Thanks so much. Hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

    3. Natalie

      March 30, 2020 at 8:39 am

      My grandma used to make me a similar dish when I was a kid so this instantly reminded me of her. Looks really delicious and super tasty. I must make this for my boys. Judging by the look, I know they gonna love it.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:33 am

        My kids love this too. Enjoy!

    4. Jo

      March 30, 2020 at 8:17 am

      That looks so easy to make and so delicious! I’m a huge fan of caraway seeds and use it quite often in my recipes. I love it’s flavors.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:34 am

        Caraway seeds work great in this too.

    5. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

      March 30, 2020 at 12:44 am

      I have never heard of this dish but wow I just love how simple it is to make. I am also really into sauerkraut these days, so this recipe is just calling my name. It looks so yummy! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:34 am

        This is the perfect way to enjoy sauerkraut.

    6. Marcel Corbeanu

      March 29, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      I love this simple and nutritional dish, it reminds me of a similar dish that we have in Romania.
      Nutritionally speaking this is an amazing food. And not to mention the taste!!

      Best,
      Marcel

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:34 am

        You are very welcome….hope you give this recipe a try.

    7. Sara

      March 29, 2020 at 7:57 pm

      How delicious does this look?! I have honestly never had kobasa, and this kobasa kapusta has my mouth watering. I love that you’re an expert at this, too! I can’t wait to make it!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:35 am

        This is such an easy recipe….hope you give it a try.

    8. Aleta

      March 29, 2020 at 12:04 pm

      My girlfriend gave me a big ol’ jar of her homemade saurkraut and I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate into my diet because it is so healthy for you! As I love kobasa, this dish is perfect, and one my family loves too!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2020 at 10:35 am

        This is the perfect combination….hope you give it a try.

    9. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli

      March 29, 2020 at 9:36 am

      Love seeing recipes from all over the world! This Ukrainian kobasa kapusta looks super tasty, pretty easy to make, and very fulfilling. A winner!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2020 at 11:25 am

        This brings back so many memories…hope you give it a try!!

      • Darren

        June 05, 2022 at 4:20 pm

        Making this as I type. I chopped four bacon rashers and sweated out the fat to add my onions to. I served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill with lemony potatoes. Simple and so good!

      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        June 05, 2022 at 5:57 pm

        I am thrilled you loved this Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta, our family favourite.

    10. Paige

      March 28, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      this looks delicious! YUM, and my mouth is watering with the side of potatoes…

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2020 at 11:25 am

        Hope you give this kobasa recipe a try.

    11. Ben

      March 27, 2020 at 8:23 am

      This is going on the table this weekend. It’s like the real, authentic version of what my dad used to make back home. It was sauerkraut and hotdogs. This looks much better, but I know I”m going to love it.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2020 at 11:31 am

        So glad I could bring some wonderful food memories for you. I know it sure does for me. ENJOY!

    12. Paula Montenegro

      March 26, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      I don’t know much about Ukrainian food, but this dish looks simple and delicious! And I love that it has its own competition, lol. Something new to try soon!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2020 at 11:31 am

        Kobasa is HUGE…so many delicious versions to choose from. Hope you give this a try.

    13. Amy Liu Dong

      March 26, 2020 at 2:53 am

      I love learning new recipe and I am so interested to make this dish for my family, it looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 26, 2020 at 11:35 am

        Enjoy. I will be making this for my family again this week.

    14. Sean@Diversivore

      March 21, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      Well I certainly don’t mind taking advice on a kobasa (kielbasa/kubasa/kovbasa) advice from someone who’s actually been a judge in a kobasa contest! Lol. This recipe looks amazing, and very comfort-food-y. Fennel is a nice touch too – I would have thought to go with caraway myself (a divisive flavour), but fennel sounds fantastic! Great stuff, thanks for sharing it.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 23, 2020 at 10:20 am

        Caraway seeds would work well in this recipe as well. In fact, I have used it as well. Enjoy which every way you want to make this.

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