Braised cabbage with sausages and bacon, in a clay pot
Sautéed Cabbage with Sausages and Bacon in a Clay Pot
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
In a culinary world full of flavors and traditions, the recipe for sautéed cabbage with sausages and bacon holds a special place. This is a comforting dish that brings to mind family meals and warm winter evenings spent with loved ones. The clay pot is not just a simple cooking vessel, but also an element that enhances flavors and textures, providing an exceptional final result. Let's discover together how we can prepare this delicacy!
Ingredients
- 2 pickled cabbages (approximately 1 kg)
- 6-7 smoked sausages (preferably pork)
- 6-7 slices of bacon
- 2 large onions
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 10 peppercorns
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Dried dill (optional)
- Fresh dill for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Desalting the cabbage
We start by desalting the pickled cabbage, an essential step to achieve a balanced taste. Place the cabbage in cold water, letting it sit for a few hours (ideally 2-3 hours). Remember to change the water every hour to remove excess salt. This will prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
Step 2: Preparing the ingredients
Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and a glass of water (approximately 200 ml) to create a flavorful base. Sprinkle in a bit of paprika, ground pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Preparing the cabbage
Once the cabbage has been desalted, squeeze out the water and cut it into thin strips. This will help it cook evenly. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage with the onion and tomato paste mixture. Make sure the cabbage is well coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Assembling in the clay pot
Before using the clay pot, it is important to soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. This step helps avoid cracks during baking. After the pot has soaked, add the cabbage and onion mixture, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the bay leaves and peppercorns over the cabbage to add even more flavor.
Step 5: Cooking the sausages and bacon
In a separate skillet, fry the bacon slices until crispy. Prick the sausages in a few places with a toothpick to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Once the bacon is ready, add the sausages and fry them lightly to brown.
Step 6: Baking in the oven
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Add the fried sausages and bacon on top of the cabbage in the clay pot. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and allow it to bake for another 30 minutes to let the cabbage brown and caramelize slightly. Check occasionally, stirring gently, to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Step 7: Serving
After an hour of cooking, the sautéed cabbage with sausages and bacon should be fragrant and delicious. Serve the dish hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped dill, alongside a portion of polenta and a spicy pepper for an extra kick of flavor. This combination will turn any meal into a true feast.
Useful tips
1. Ingredient variations: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausages and bacon with mushrooms and smoked cheese. You can also add carrots or potatoes for extra substance.
2. Cooking in advance: This recipe can be prepared a day ahead. The next day, the flavor intensifies, and the taste becomes even better.
3. Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of sautéed cabbage with sausages and bacon contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of sausages. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, providing important benefits for digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can I keep sautéed cabbage?
Sautéed cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can reheat it on the stove or in the oven.
- Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Of course! If you prefer fresh cabbage, slice it and sauté it in oil before adding the onion and tomato mixture. Add salt to taste.
- What other dishes can it be paired with?
This dish pairs perfectly with a beet salad or a fresh green salad to add a contrast of textures and flavors.
Personal note
This recipe reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would prepare sautéed cabbage every autumn using produce from her garden. The aroma of slowly cooked cabbage with sausages and bacon filled the entire house, and family meals were a true celebration. I encourage you to add a personal touch and enjoy every bite, turning this recipe into your own tradition!
Savor every moment spent in the kitchen and don't forget to experiment with your creativity! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 pickled cucumbers, 6-7 smoked sausages, 6-7 slices of bacon, 2 onions, oil, peppercorns, 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, bay leaves, paprika, dried dill, fresh dill, salt, pepper
