Fresh sautéed cabbage for fasting

Fresh sautéed cabbage for fasting is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a variety of aromas and textures that will delight your taste buds. This dish is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, being rich in vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe, perfect for days when we choose to enjoy fasting meals, as well as for those who wish to diversify their diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1.5 kg of fresh cabbage (choose medium-sized, meaty cabbage)
- 1 small dried onion and a bunch of green onions
- 1-2 bell peppers or capia (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small carrot
- 4-5 tomatoes (preferably ripe, for a more intense flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, tomato puree, or tomato juice
- 100-150 ml of white wine (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- salt, whole pepper, coriander seeds, ground pepper, thyme - to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh dill

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by removing the damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse it well under cold water and cut it into very thin strips, similar to noodles. If you have no restrictions on salt, sprinkle a little salt over the cabbage and mix it. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to eliminate bitterness.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the cabbage is crucial. Look for cabbage that is firm and dense, without spots or wilted leaves.
- Salt helps to draw water out of the cabbage, which will intensify the flavors of the dish.

After the cabbage has rested, gently squeeze it between your palms to remove excess water.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

Chop the dried onion finely and dice the carrot. Cut the bell pepper into slices or cubes, as preferred. You can use fresh or frozen peppers, depending on availability.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables

In a large pot, add the squeezed cabbage, chopped onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Add 2 bay leaves, whole pepper, coriander seeds, and thyme, then pour in a small cup of warm water. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked question: "Why use warm water?"
Warm water helps maintain a constant temperature, facilitating even cooking of the vegetables.

Step 4: Adding tomatoes and wine

Once the vegetables are well cooked, add the white wine (if you choose to use it), the sliced tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato juice. If you want a more colorful dish, add more tomato paste or juice. Mix well, then let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Taste and adjust salt and spices to your preference.

Useful tips:
- You can also add other spices, such as smoked paprika, for a deeper flavor.
- If you like, you can also add some green olives for an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Baking

Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to a baking dish. If you wish, you can add tomato slices on top for a nice appearance. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 °C for 20-30 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and let it brown slightly.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the sautéed cabbage alongside warm polenta and hot peppers for a contrast of textures and flavors. This dish is also perfect to be served with a fresh salad on the side, adding a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to immune system health and digestion. It is low in calories, making this recipe an ideal choice for those looking to stay fit.

Calories:
A serving of sautéed cabbage has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and wine used.

Possible variations:
To diversify the recipe, you can add some mushrooms or green beans, or you can replace the white wine with balsamic vinegar for a more tangy taste. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or basil, to achieve a different flavor profile.

Sautéed cabbage for fasting is a simple recipe, yet full of tasty surprises, perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe will not only nourish your body but also delight your soul, reminding you of family meals and moments of conviviality. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg fresh cabbage, the cabbage or greens should be medium-sized and denser, 1 smaller dried onion, and a bunch of green onions, 1-2 pieces of bell peppers, fresh or frozen capia, a smaller carrot, 4-5 tomatoes, 1-2 tablespoons of broth, tomato paste or tomato juice, 100-150 ml white wine, salt, peppercorns, coriander seeds, ground pepper, thyme to taste, 2 bay leaves, 1 bunch of dill.