Dinner: Budget-Friendly Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

This budget-friendly recipe comes together quickly for a week night dinner, with the flavors of fall coming from the apples, onions and shredded cabbage!

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Apples

Health benefits of Budget-Friendly Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Apples will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full)

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
3 links fully cooked roasted garlic chicken sausage (about 3 ounces each), sliced
2 small granny smith apples, peeled and grated (use large hole on grater)
1 onion, diced
6 cups shredded cabbage (1/2 small head)
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup white wine
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Add oil and a generous amount of cooking spray to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Sauté sausage until beginning to brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add apples, onion and cabbage to the pan and sauté for 8-10 minutes or until cabbage is soft and beginning to lightly brown.
Add sausage back to the pan and remaining ingredients. Sauté until liquid reduced.
Recipe Cost: $7.64

Side Suggestion: Serve with a whole grain dinner roll.

Chef Tip: If you don’t want to use white wine, use 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar and omit the additional white wine vinegar from the ingredient list.

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