Transylvania Stockpot with Kielbasas

This must have been Dracula's favorite snack food in between victims, after all, it is named after his home town! All jokes aside, this is a tasty dish to help warm you up as winter sets in (even if 60 degree weather is winter in California)! This is an easy recipe that is perfect for the season, as it packs more protein into stew than you will typically find in pre-made soups. Although sausage is traditionally used here, you can also use smoked chicken or turkey sausage if you have picky eaters or just want to cut down on the fats a little. No matter which protein source you choose, be sure to pick a brand that doesn't have excessive sodium or additives. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
6oz bacon (nitrate-free)
1 large onion, chopped
3 gloves garlic, minced
1 small green cabbage, cored, cut into wedges, then chopped
1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 pound smoked kielbasas sausage
1/2 cup chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS
In a large cauldron (dutch oven) cook the bacon over medium heat until it begins to crisp. 
Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and reduce the heat. 
Add the cabbage, paprika and pepper, then cook about 5 more minutes. 
Add tomatoes with their juice, broth, cinnamon and bay leaves.  Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil while stirring. 
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 45 minutes. 
Add the sliced kielbasa and heat through.  Stir in chopped parsley and ladle into wide shallow bowls to serve.

Nutrition Facts: 2 cups soup broth (with about 3oz kielbasa)- calories: 185, fat: 7.5, carbohydrates 13.7, protein 15.6