New cabbage with smoked meat

Delicious smoked cabbage recipe

On a sunny day, with the sun shining in the sky, I had an irresistible craving for fresh cabbage with smoked meat. I decided to take advantage of a visit to my husband, where I brought some essential ingredients: smoked bacon, smoked kaiser, and a few slices of pork neck. The cabbage, fresh and crunchy, I bought from a local market, perfect for creating a savory meal. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2 fresh cabbages, medium-sized
- 1 piece of smoked bacon
- 200 g smoked kaiser
- 4 slices of pork neck
- Salt, to taste
- 300 g tomatoes in puree
- 1 cup of boiled and pureed greengage juice
- 10-12 peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Fresh dill, chopped

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the pieces of smoked bacon and pork neck well, then let them soak in cold water for 15 minutes. This step will help remove excess salt and make the meat more tender.

2. Slicing the cabbage:
Meanwhile, slice the cabbages into thin strips. Add a teaspoon of salt and gently massage the cabbage with your hands to soften it. This will help the cabbage cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

3. Preparing the meat:
Dry the pieces of bacon and neck with kitchen towels. Slice the kaiser into thin pieces. In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat it well. Add the slices of kaiser, bacon, and neck, allowing them to brown on all sides. This will add a rich flavor to the dish.

4. Cooking the cabbage:
Once the meat is browned, remove it to a plate. In the same pot, add the sliced and drained cabbage. Sauté the cabbage for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.

5. Adding the spices:
At this point, add the spices: pepper, bay leaves, sweet paprika, and tomatoes in puree. All these ingredients will add a complex and savory taste. Also add the cup of greengage juice, which will bring a tangy note, perfect for balancing the flavors.

6. Baking the dish:
Return the browned meat to the pot, mix well, then leave the pot on low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the cabbage becomes soft and the flavors combine perfectly.

7. Finishing the dish:
Finally, add a good handful of chopped fresh dill and mix gently. This will add a note of freshness to the dish.

8. Serving:
For a truly memorable meal, serve the cabbage with smoked meat alongside a portion of warm polenta. The combination of the creamy texture of the polenta with the rich flavors of the cabbage is irresistible! You can also add a splash of sour cream for extra flavor.

Personal note:
During the time when greengages are green, I like to add greengage juice to various dishes. It brings a tangy note that significantly enhances the taste of the food. Whether it's a soup or a stew, this ingredient can transform the recipe!

Useful tips:
- Choosing the cabbage: When selecting cabbage, look for fresh ones with firm leaves and a deep green color. Young cabbage is sweeter and more aromatic.
- Meat alternatives: If you don't have smoked bacon, you can substitute it with ribs or even a few slices of bacon for a different taste.
- Spices: If you like a spicier taste, you can add a little dried chili or hot paprika.
- Slow cooking: For an even deeper flavor, let the cabbage simmer on low heat for a few hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and combine perfectly.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage instead of fresh cabbage? Yes, but you will need to reduce the amount of added salt, as pickled cabbage is already salty.
- What can I do with the leftovers? You can turn the leftovers into a delicious soup by adding water or meat broth and letting them simmer together.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the smoked cabbage, but the texture will be different after thawing.

I hope this recipe for smoked cabbage will delight both you and your loved ones! Cooking is an art, and every recipe tells a story. Whether you prepare it with love for yourself or for guests, the result will surely be a delicious feast! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 new suitable slices, a piece of smoked bacon, 200 g smoked kaiser, 4 slices of pork neck, salt, 300 g tomatoes in broth, 1 cup of boiled and strained sour cherry juice, 10-12 peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, fresh dill.

 Tags:  cabbage with meat