Sweet cabbage with chicken

Sweet cabbage with chicken - a delicious, comforting, and flavorful dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. This simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly savory. I will guide you step by step, so you achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast (or boneless chicken thighs)
- 1 small cabbage (approximately 1 kg)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons sweet paprika (or hot, to taste)
- 200 g tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, and slice it thinly. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture in the dish. Finely chopped cabbage will cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt. The salt will help the onion release its juices and soften more quickly.

3. After a few minutes, when the onion becomes translucent, add the paprika. Mix well so that the onion absorbs the flavor. Paprika adds not only taste but also a vibrant color to the dish.

4. Now, it's time to add the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into cubes or strips, depending on your preference, and place it in the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides.

5. Add the tomato paste, mixing well to combine the ingredients. This ingredient will add moisture and create a delicious sauce. Add salt, pepper, and bay leaves if you choose to use them.

6. Now, you can add the cabbage. Mix well to combine with the sauce. If the cabbage is too voluminous, add it in stages. Cook everything over medium heat, covering the pot with a lid, for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Finally, if you feel the dish is too sour, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the taste. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

8. Once the cabbage is soft and the chicken is fully cooked, the dish is ready to serve.

Serving suggestions:
Serve sweet cabbage with chicken alongside warm polenta or a slice of fresh bread. You can sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Possible variations:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. You can also add grated carrots or bell peppers for a crunchy note and extra vitamins.

This sweet cabbage with chicken recipe is not only tasty but also versatile, adaptable based on available ingredients. It will surely become a favorite dish in your kitchen!

 Ingredients: chicken (I used 5 chicken thighs) - half a cabbage - pasta/tomato sauce - a few tomatoes - 2 onions, salt, paprika, ground pepper, and two bunches of dill.