Braised Cabbage with Ham Hock

Delicious sautéed cabbage recipe with ham hock

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I propose a traditional recipe, full of flavor and aroma: sautéed cabbage with ham hock. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I will guide you step by step through each stage, so you achieve a perfect result. Let's get started!

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2 pickled cabbages (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 raw cabbage (about 500 g)
- 1 piece of pork hock (about 1 kg)
- 200 g peeled tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (about 20 ml)
- 100 g smoked bacon
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Water (as needed)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by draining the pickled cabbage well. Place it in a bowl and chop it finely. Then, take the raw cabbage, chop it finely, and knead it a little to release its juices. Mix the two types of cabbage in a large bowl. This combination will bring a perfect balance between the acidity of the pickled cabbage and the sweetness of the raw cabbage.

Step 2: Preparing the ham hock
In a large pot, place the ham hock and add the chopped cabbage. Add the peeled tomatoes, diluted tomato paste, and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. Make sure to mix the ingredients well to combine the flavors. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients. Now, let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This cooking time will help the meat become tender and absorb the flavors of the cabbage.

Step 3: Baking in the oven
After simmering for 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Transfer the pot to the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. Here, the delicious aroma of the cabbage and ham hock will intensify. About 15 minutes before it’s done, add the diced smoked bacon. This will add a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Serving
When everything is ready, take the pot out of the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve the sautéed cabbage with ham hock alongside warm polenta and hot peppers for an extra kick. This combination will turn every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience!

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a sourer taste, you can add a little vinegar to taste when mixing the cabbage.
- You can vary the recipe by adding a few slices of carrot or potatoes to make the dish even heartier.
- Make sure the ham hock is of good quality, as this will significantly influence the final taste of the dish.
- Keep an eye on the amount of salt, as the pickled cabbage is already salty.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the ham hock and smoked bacon, making it an excellent source of nutrients. Cabbages are full of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and aid in digestion. Additionally, this dish is high in fiber, making it ideal for a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of ham hock?
- Of course! You can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be considerably reduced.

2. How can I make the cabbage less salty?
- If the pickled cabbage is too salty, you can rinse the slices under cold water before using them.

3. What other side dishes can I use?
- Sautéed cabbage with ham hock pairs perfectly with polenta, but you can also choose mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

I hope this sautéed cabbage with ham hock recipe inspires you to cook and share delicious moments with your loved ones! Perhaps this dish will remind you of family meals from childhood or those days when you treat yourself to traditional dishes. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 pickled cabbages + 1 raw cabbage 1 piece of pork shoulder 200 g peeled tomatoes 1 tablespoon broth 100 g smoked bacon fresh dill (to taste) 1/1 teaspoon thyme