Sweet cabbage baked

Delicious Sweet Cabbage Recipe with Smoked Bacon

*Discover how to prepare a traditional recipe, full of flavors and taste, that combines sweet cabbage with smoked bacon, resulting in a comforting and delicious dish. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests, this recipe is simple yet offers a spectacular result.*

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg sweet cabbage, finely chopped
- 500 g smoked bacon, cut into large pieces
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage

Start by finely chopping the sweet cabbage. Place it in a large bowl, add salt, and mix well. Let the cabbage sit for about 30 minutes. This step will help draw out moisture from the cabbage, making it softer and tastier.

Step 2: Boil the cabbage

After the cabbage has rested with salt, place it in a large pot and add enough water to cover it completely. Boil the cabbage over medium heat for about an hour, or until soft. If desired, you can add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

Helpful tips for cabbage:
- Make sure to use fresh sweet cabbage for the best results. Older cabbage can be more bitter.
- If you like a slightly sour note, you can add a few tablespoons of vinegar while boiling.

Step 3: Prepare the bacon

In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the smoked bacon cut into large pieces and fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is fried, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess fat.

Step 4: Prepare the onion sauce

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add two tablespoons of water and let it boil for a few minutes until evaporated.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour with two tablespoons of water, the tomato paste, pepper, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the sautéed onion and mix well. De-glaze the sauce with a cup of the cabbage cooking liquid and let it simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Assemble the dish

In a baking dish, place the boiled cabbage, add the fried bacon, and pour the onion sauce over everything. Adjust the salt if needed, and add the chopped dill, thyme, and bay leaves. Garnish with tomato slices for a more appealing look.

Step 6: Bake in the oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step will help develop flavors and blend tastes.

Baking tips:
- If you want a crispier crust, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- You can also add grated cheese on top in the last 5 minutes for an even tastier flavor.

Serving and pairing suggestions

Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Sweet baked cabbage can be served alongside a pickled salad or a slice of homemade bread to complete the meal. A glass of white wine or herbal tea will be perfect accompaniments.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Possible variations:
- You can replace the smoked bacon with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- If you desire a spicier flavor, add some chili peppers to the onion sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes.

This sweet cabbage recipe with smoked bacon is one of those dishes that bring back memories of family meals from childhood, full of warmth and love. Don't hesitate to try it and personalize it to your own taste!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage? It is not recommended, as pickled cabbage has a different taste and may affect the texture of the dish.
- How can I store sweet baked cabbage? You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? No, but you can adapt the recipe using tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and substituting animal products with vegan alternatives.

Enjoy every bite of this authentic, simple, yet flavorful dish!

 Ingredients: 1kg finely chopped sweet cabbage, 500g smoked bacon, 2 finely chopped onions, 2 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 sliced tomato, 3 bay leaves, thyme, pepper, paprika