Sticky thighs with red cabbage
Sticky thighs with red cabbage
Who doesn’t fondly remember family meals gathered around a platter full of goodies, prepared with love and care? This recipe for sticky thighs with red cabbage is not just a meal, but a true journey into the memories of those who have savored traditional recipes. Red cabbage, often overlooked in favor of white, brings a touch of freshness and a unique flavor, while the combination with chicken thighs transforms this dish into a true delicacy.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the thighs:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 2-3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the cabbage:
- 1 medium red cabbage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Preparing the thighs:
1. Marinating the thighs: In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, orange blossom water, allspice, cinnamon, and curry. Add the chicken thighs and ensure each thigh is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for juicy and flavorful thighs.
Preparing the cabbage:
2. Preparing the cabbage: Meanwhile, wash the red cabbage and slice it thinly. This will help the cabbage soften more quickly during cooking. Place the sliced cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle salt and pepper over it, mixing well. Then, set it aside for 10 minutes to start releasing its juices.
3. Cooking the cabbage: In a large skillet, add the canola oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until it softens and becomes slightly caramelized.
4. Adding the vinegar: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the vinegar mixed with sugar. Stir well and let everything simmer uncovered. This step will intensify the flavors and give the cabbage a slightly tangy note, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the thighs.
Cooking the thighs:
5. Preparing the thighs in the oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Remove the thighs from the marinade and place them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over them. Bake the thighs for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. In the last 5 minutes, add the honey and sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Serving:
6. Assembling the plate: Once the thighs are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. On plates, place a bed of caramelized red cabbage and carefully top with the sticky thighs. You can garnish with a few extra sesame seeds for a richer look and flavor.
Helpful tips:
- Choosing the cabbage: Red cabbage is richer in antioxidants compared to white cabbage, making it an excellent nutritional choice. When selecting a cabbage, look for one with firm leaves and a vibrant appearance.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or refreshing lemonade, which will complement the intense flavors of the thighs and cabbage.
- Variations: You can experiment with other spices in the marinade for the thighs, such as sweet or hot paprika, to achieve an even more complex flavor. You can also add apples or dried plums during the cooking of the cabbage for a sweet and sour taste.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use bone-in thighs? Yes, bone-in thighs will have more flavor, but the cooking time will extend by about 10-15 minutes.
2. How can I make the cabbage less sour? You can adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar according to your preferences.
3. What side dish pairs best? Mashed potatoes or basmati rice are excellent options that complement this dish.
This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones around the table. I invite you to try this recipe for sticky thighs with red cabbage and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: I used: 1 red cabbage, salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. For the thighs: 6 boneless thighs, orange blossom water, soy sauce, allspice, cinnamon, curry, canola oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame honey.
