Save A hearty, budget-friendly hotpot featuring savory sausage, tender celery, and sweet apples, all simmered together for a comforting one-pot meal.
I first tried this combination after searching for ways to stretch pantry and produce staples. The apples add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sausage, creating a comforting meal my family requests often.
Ingredients
- Smoked or fresh sausages: 1 lb (450 g), sliced into thick rounds
- Celery stalks: 4, sliced
- Apples: 2 medium (Granny Smith or similar), cored and chopped
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same pan, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add apples and sausage:
- Stir in the apples and return the sausage to the pan.
- Add liquids and seasoning:
- Add broth, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Save We gathered around the table, passing the skillet and laughing as everyone sprinkled extra parsley on top. Now, every autumn, this is our go-to weekend comfort food.
Required Tools
Large skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
May contain gluten depending on sausage, contains mustard. Always read labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 370, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 17 g.
Save This cozy hotpot is sure to become a family favorite—enjoy the comfort and ease in every bite.
Cooking Questions
- → What sausage types work well in this hotpot?
Pork, chicken, or turkey sausages are excellent choices. Each offers a different flavor profile, with poultry giving a lighter option.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute sausages with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful and hearty.
- → What cooking liquid is recommended?
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is ideal to maintain a balanced, savory base without overpowering the ingredients.
- → How do the apples influence the dish?
Apples add a subtle sweetness and pleasant texture contrast, balancing the savory notes of sausage and vegetables.
- → What herbs and seasonings enhance the flavors?
Dried thyme, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar infuse the hotpot with aromatic depth and a slight tanginess.