The whole chicken on new cabbage
Whole Chicken on Fresh Cabbage: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and Authenticity
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Who doesn’t enjoy the enticing aromas of traditional dishes that remind us of family meals? Whole chicken on fresh cabbage is a recipe that brings together simple yet characterful ingredients in a perfect combination. The chicken, the main ingredient, symbolizes prosperity and hospitality, while the cabbage, with its crunchy texture, adds a delightful contrast. This recipe is perfect for a family Sunday dinner or to impress friends at a special lunch.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 free-range chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 medium-sized fresh cabbage
- 3-4 tablespoons of broth (preferably homemade)
- 2 medium onions
- 5-6 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- A few whole peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
- A handful of freshly chopped parsley
- 1-2 tablespoons of thyme (dried or fresh)
Preparing the meat:
1. Start by cleaning and thoroughly washing the chicken. It’s important to use a free-range chicken, as the meat will be juicier and more flavorful.
2. Place the chicken in a large pot and add cold water until it covers the meat. Add a teaspoon of salt, the whole carrot, and the onion cut in half. These ingredients will give a special flavor to the resulting broth.
3. Boil over medium heat until the meat is half-cooked. This will take about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to skim off any foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear broth.
Preparing the cabbage:
4. Meanwhile, chop the fresh cabbage into thin strips. Place it in a large bowl and massage it with a little salt to release its juices. This step is essential for getting soft and tasty cabbage.
5. In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combining the ingredients:
6. Once the cabbage has softened, add the broth, thyme, seasoning, paprika, chopped parsley, ground pepper, and a few whole peppercorns. Mix all the ingredients well and let them combine for a few minutes until the aroma becomes irresistible.
7. When the chicken is half-cooked, remove it from the broth, season it with salt and pepper, and carefully place it on top of the cabbage in the skillet.
Final cooking:
8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is beautifully browned and the cabbage is soft and aromatic.
Serving and suggestions:
This dish is served hot, straight from the oven, and can be accompanied by mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a contrast of textures. You can also add a few drops of balsamic vinegar for a more pronounced flavor. Don’t forget to keep the broth in which the chicken was cooked; you can prepare a delicious pilaf or a comforting soup.
Tips and variations:
- If you want to add an even richer flavor, you can include some slices of bacon or smoked sausages in the cabbage mixture.
- Instead of broth, you can use crushed fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- You can change the flavors according to your preferences by adding spices like cumin or marjoram.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, and the cabbage provides an important source of vitamins and fiber. It is a hearty dish, perfect for chilly days.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of hen?
Yes, you can use chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster.
2. How can I make the cabbage crunchier?
You can sauté it for less time or add it to the skillet closer to the end of cooking.
3. Is this recipe suitable for diets?
The chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the cabbage is very low in calories, making this recipe a healthy choice.
With this recipe for whole chicken on fresh cabbage, you will enjoy a tasty and comforting meal that brings people together. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and savor every moment spent cooking!
Ingredients: a fat and beautiful backyard chicken :) a carrot a larger new cabbage 3-4 tablespoons of broth 2 medium onions 5-6 tablespoons of oil salt, ground pepper a few peppercorns 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika parsley thyme
