Braised cabbage with pork in the oven

Sautéed Cabbage with Baked Meats

I present to you a delicious recipe that blends the rich flavors of sautéed cabbage with the savory taste of smoked meats, all baked to perfection. This dish is not only an excellent choice for a family meal but also an opportunity to enjoy culinary traditions filled with history and flavor. So, get ready to step into the kitchen and transform simple ingredients into a remarkable dish!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 small pickled cabbages (approximately 1 kg)
- 500 g smoked pork specialties (shoulder, chop, bacon, sausages)
- 3-4 large onions
- 1 large carrot
- 100 ml tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive or sunflower oil)

Useful tips for ingredients:

1. Pickled cabbage: Choose a quality cabbage that is crunchy and has a balanced taste, not too salty. A cabbage that is too salty can make the dish overly salty, so it's good to taste it before using.
2. Smoked meats: You can use a combination of smoked meats, but make sure they are of good quality. The shoulder and sausages add extra flavor, while the bacon provides a crispy texture.
3. Onion and carrot: The onion should be firm and juicy, and the carrot should be fresh to add sweetness and color to the dish.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion. Slice it thinly or dice it, according to your preference. Grate the peeled carrot on a fine grater. These vegetables will develop a wonderful aroma when sautéed.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, preferably non-stick to prevent sticking, add the oil and sauté the onion and carrot over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. If you're using an Amway skillet, you won't have to worry about sticking and can focus on the developing flavors.

3. Preparing the cabbage: Meanwhile, slice the pickled cabbage into thin strips. Add the cabbage to the skillet, mixing well to combine all the flavors. Continue sautéing until the cabbage becomes soft, about 10-15 minutes. Add the thyme, pepper, and tomato sauce, mixing well.

4. Assembling the dish: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. In a heat-resistant dish, line the bottom with strips of smoked meats. Add half of the sautéed cabbage mixture, then another layer of smoked meats, followed by the remaining cabbage. Cover everything with a final "blanket" of smoked meat.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the lid and let it brown for another 15-20 minutes, until the dish turns golden and appetizing.

Preparing the polenta:

While the dish is baking, you can prepare delicious polenta. Use 1 part cornmeal to 4 parts water (for example, 250 g of cornmeal to 1 liter of water). Boil the water with salt, gradually add the cornmeal while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, then let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving:

Serve the sautéed cabbage with baked meats alongside warm polenta, a spoonful of sour cream (if you prefer), and a few slices of pickled hot peppers for a touch of freshness. This combination will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a note of tradition to your table.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein from the smoked meats and contains plenty of fiber and vitamins from the cabbage and carrot. Pickled cabbage is also an excellent source of probiotics, which contribute to gut health. However, being a heartier dish, it's advisable to consume it in moderation, especially due to the fat content in the smoked meats.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the cabbage mix. You can also try replacing the smoked meats with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh cabbage? Yes, but you will need to blanch it slightly before sautéing to reduce its toughness.
2. How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor improves the next day.
3. Can I make the dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the smoked meats and add more vegetables, or use smoked tofu for extra flavor.

This sautéed cabbage with baked meats recipe is a true delight for food lovers and an excellent way to bring tradition to modern tables. Don't forget to share your experience with family and friends to inspire them to try this delicious dish!

 Ingredients: 2 small pickled cucumbers, 500 g smoked pork specialties (neck, chop, bacon, sausage), 3-4 onions, 1 large carrot, 100 ml tomato sauce, thyme, pepper, 3-4 tablespoons of oil

 Tags:  cabbage smoked meats tomato sauce