Cabbage a la Cluj (II)

To prepare a delicious recipe of sautéed cabbage with meat and rice, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. This recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal, and the flavors combine in a fantastic way.

The first step is to clean and rinse the rice in cold water to remove impurities. Once we finish this process, we boil the rice in a pot with salted water or delikat, according to preferences. The rice should be cooked al dente, so it retains its texture and does not become mushy during baking in the oven.

In the meantime, we take care of the onion. We peel and finely chop it, then sauté it in a pan with 50 ml of oil over medium heat until it becomes glassy. At this point, we add the meat cut into cubes or strips, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. It is important to stir frequently to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. After the meat changes color, we add about 200 ml of water and let it simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces and the meat becomes tender, and the mixture returns to a fatty consistency.

In another pan, we take care of the cabbage. We finely chop the cabbage and sauté it in the remaining 50 ml of oil, adding salt and pepper according to preferences. The cabbage should soften and become slightly golden, and its aroma will perfectly complement the dish.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, we get ready to assemble the dish. We take a pot that we grease with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking. We start layering in the following order: a layer of sautéed cabbage, followed by a layer of meat, then a layer of boiled rice. It is essential to add a few tablespoons of sour cream between the layers to add extra creaminess and flavor. We continue to alternate layers of cabbage, meat, rice, and sour cream until we run out of ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is cabbage. On top of this, we add the remaining sour cream to achieve a delicious crust.

After we finish assembling, we place the pot in the preheated oven and let the dish bake for 20-30 minutes at medium temperature. When the food is ready, we take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It is delicious hot, and an extra serving of sour cream on the side will make each portion even more flavorful. This recipe not only delights the taste buds but also brings a sense of comfort and warmth to any meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg chopped pickled cabbage, 2 onions, 1 cup of tea, 500 g minced pork (or chicken), 500 g sour cream, 100 ml oil for greasing the pot, salt, ground pepper.

 Tags:  onion chicken meat cabbage rice oil sour cream pig christmas and new year's recipes