Cabbage a la Cluj
Recipe for Cluj-style Cabbage with Chicken and Smoked Meat
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Cluj-style cabbage is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavor and taste, which enjoys popularity throughout the country. This variant, with chicken and smoked ribs, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, perfect for a family meal. Let’s see how we can turn simple ingredients into this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 small cabbages (about 1 kg)
- 1 cup of sour cream (about 200 ml)
- 1 chicken breast (or boneless thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Chicken spices (salt, pepper, sweet paprika)
- 2 large tomatoes or 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 200-300 g of smoked meat (smoked ribs are ideal)
- Oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by shredding the cabbage into thin strips. Place it in a large bowl, add salt, and massage the cabbage with your hands to soften it. This technique will help the cabbage become softer and tastier. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a delicious flavor to the dish.
3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large pot, combine the softened cabbage with the sautéed onion. Mix well, then let the mixture cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens. Add a bit of pepper to enhance the flavors.
4. Preparing the meat: Cut the chicken breast into strips or cubes. Season it with salt, pepper, and chicken spices, then quickly fry it in the same pan where you sautéed the onion until it is lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). If you want a smoky flavor, add some smoked meat cut into strips for extra taste.
5. Assembling the dish: In a clay pot or an oven-safe dish, place a layer of sautéed cabbage. Then, add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste. Follow with the fried meat, then another layer of cabbage. On top, add the remaining tomatoes, sour cream, and smoked ribs. This layer of sour cream will give a creamy and delicious taste.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly, and the cabbage to become soft and tasty.
7. Serving: After the dish is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a serving of warm polenta and, if you like, add a spoonful of sour cream on top for an even richer taste.
Helpful tip: If you want to bring a touch of freshness, you can add some chopped fresh parsley before serving. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or turkey, depending on your preferences.
This recipe for Cluj-style cabbage with chicken and smoked meat is not just a comforting dish but also an excellent way to bring traditional Romanian flavors to your plate. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1-2 smaller cabbages, 1 cup of sour cream, one chicken breast (or boneless thighs), 1 medium onion, chicken spices, 2 tomatoes or a bit of broth, some smoked meat (I had smoked ribs), salt, pepper
