Potato Kielbasa Skillet

If you're looking for a hearty, home-style, tasty and quick meal for the cold winter nights we've been having, this recipe is perfect.

Patrick and I were first introduced to this meal during one of our weekly Thursday night dinners at the Akins' house. When Suzanne first told me what we were having and the list of ingredients, I was a smidge skeptical, but Suzanne is an awesome cook and her meals never, ever disappoint, so I had faith (despite the brown sugar/cider vinegar/spinach/kielbasa combo).

And man alive, this meal did not disappoint. Not at all. It was such a hit that Patrick requested that I get the recipe and make myself. So, one night a few weeks ago I surprised him and this dinner was waiting for him when he came home from work.

It has definitely become a go-to recipe in our house for the fall and winter months. The combination of flavors, paired with potatoes, smokey kielbasa and spinach, makes for a delicious and quick weeknight meal.

Potato Kielbasa Skillet
Recipe courtesy of Suzanne Akins, via Kim Hanson, via Taste of Home
1 pound red potatoes, cubed
3 tablespoons water
3/4 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices (I use turkey kielbasa)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups (one bag) fresh baby spinach
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until tender; drain.

In a large skillet, saute kielbasa and onion in oil until onion is tender. Add potatoes; saute 3-5 minutes longer or until kielbasa and potatoes are lightly browned.

Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Add spinach and bacon; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Makes 4 servings.