The whole chicken on new cabbage

Whole Chicken on Fresh Cabbage

Welcome to the culinary world of comfort food! Today, I present to you a traditional recipe that will bring a taste of home and pleasant memories to the table: whole chicken on fresh cabbage. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also fill your home with an irresistible aroma, making every meal a special moment. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Essential ingredients:
- 1 free-range chicken (approx. 1.5 kg), cleaned and washed
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large fresh cabbage
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 medium onions
- 5-6 tablespoons of oil
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- A few whole peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of thyme

Cooking technique:
1. Boiling the chicken: Start by placing the whole chicken in a large pot with salted water. Add the whole carrot and halved onion. Cover and let it boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is halfway cooked. This step will not only help tenderize the meat but will also create a delicious base for a soup or pilaf later.

2. Preparing the cabbage: While the chicken is boiling, finely chop the fresh cabbage. Place it in a large bowl and massage it with salt to soften it a bit. This technique helps release the natural juices from the cabbage, improving the final texture and flavor.

3. Sautéing the onions: In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step will add a deep, sweet flavor to the dish.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet over the sautéed onion, mix well, and add the tomato paste, thyme, seasoning, sweet paprika, whole peppercorns, and ground pepper. Stir everything well and let it simmer on low heat until the cabbage becomes soft, about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to stir periodically to prevent sticking.

5. Placing the chicken: Once the chicken is halfway cooked, remove it from the broth (which can be used for a delicious pilaf) and season it with salt and pepper. Carefully place it on top of the cabbage mixture in the skillet, ensuring it is positioned to absorb the flavors.

6. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is tender and golden. Check occasionally to make sure it doesn’t dry out; if necessary, add a little water.

Serving: Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the oven. Serve the dish warm, ideally alongside some hot peppers, which will add a touch of spice and perfectly complement the flavors of the dish. This recipe is excellent for enjoying with family or friends, bringing a sense of conviviality.

Practical tips:
- Use a free-range chicken for a more intense flavor and tender texture. Younger chickens will require a shorter cooking time.
- If you want to experiment, add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the pot for a heartier dish.
- Freshly chopped parsley can be added at the end for an extra touch of freshness.
- The broth left from boiling the chicken can be used to prepare a delicious pilaf or a light soup.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal rich in protein from the chicken and fiber from the cabbage. A serving contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used, and cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of a whole hen? Yes, the recipe works great with chicken too, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- How can I make the recipe easier to serve? You can cut the chicken into smaller pieces before placing it on top of the cabbage, which will make serving easier.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A white wine or a light red will perfectly complement the flavors. Additionally, fresh lemonade or herbal tea can be excellent choices.

This whole chicken on fresh cabbage recipe is not just a dish, but a story written at every meal, a memory that will be cherished in the hearts of loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to try it, personalize it, and share it with those dear to you! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a fat and beautiful backyard chicken :) a larger new cabbage carrot 3-4 tablespoons of broth 2 medium onions 5-6 tablespoons of oil ground pepper a few peppercorns 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika parsley thyme