A simple “Bohemian peasant” family recipe found in Gourmet magazine

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large onion, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into thin slices (3 cups)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 12-oz bottle of beer

1 lb. smoked kielbasa, cut into 2” pieces

1 medium cabbage (2 ½ lb.), halved lengthwise, then cut into 2” thick wedges

¾ lb. medium red potatoes (about 4) quartered

Accompaniment: spicy mustard

Melt butter in a 6-8-quart heavy pot over low heat, then add onion, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring until onion is golden, about 15 minutes. Stir in beer, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan, then add kielbasa, cabbage, and potatoes. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, about 1 hour. Transfer vegetables and kielbasa to a large platter (discard liquid) and serve with mustard.

Serves 4 to 6.