Cabbage pie

Cabbage pie - a traditional delight that will win you over with every bite! This recipe combines the rich flavors of sautéed cabbage with the crispy texture of pastry sheets, resulting in a comforting and savory dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, I will guide you step by step in creating this classic recipe that is sure to impress family and friends.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 medium cabbage (approximately 1.3-1.5 kg)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 ml oil (for sautéing and greasing the sheets)
- 1 package of pastry sheets (15 sheets)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- For finishing:
- 1 small glass of sour cream
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste

Nutritional information

This pie is a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C from cabbage), and protein (from eggs and sour cream). It is a filling dish, but moderate in calories, ideal for a family meal.

A brief history

Cabbage pies have been prepared throughout time in various cultures, being a symbol of family meals. Cabbage, an accessible and versatile ingredient, has been used to create simple yet nourishing recipes, often associated with festive moments or gatherings around the table. This recipe will remind you of the tastes of childhood and warm meals prepared with love.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage
Start by salting the cabbage. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle salt over it. Let it sit for about 2 hours to lose some water and become less sour. After this time, slice the cabbage thinly and squeeze out the excess water well. This step is essential to avoid a soggy pie.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
Peel and finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chopped cabbage and continue to sauté it over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. The cabbage should become soft and change color.

Step 3: Flavoring
After the cabbage is sautéed, add the finely chopped dill, bay leaves, peppercorns, and diluted tomato paste. Adjust the salt and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cabbage simmer over low heat until all the water evaporates, about 10-15 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors of the dish.

Step 4: Assembling the pie
Divide the pastry sheets into 3 groups of 5 sheets each. In a deep baking dish lined with parchment paper, place the first group of sheets, greased between them with oil. Add half of the sautéed cabbage mixture, spreading it evenly. Continue with the second group of sheets, followed by the remaining cabbage, and finish with the last group of sheets, greased between them.

Step 5: Finishing
In a bowl, beat the sour cream with the eggs and a pinch of salt. Cover the pie with this mixture, ensuring it spreads evenly over the entire surface. Before placing it in the oven, cut the pie into appropriately sized pieces for serving. Also, poke the surface of the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for about 45 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy. You will smell the enticing aroma of sautéed cabbage and browned pastry sheets.

Serving

The cabbage pie is served warm, but not hot. It can be accompanied by a fresh salad of tomatoes or cucumbers, and a glass of yogurt or sour cream on the side will add a touch of freshness. It is perfect both as a main dish and as a snack.

Variations and tips

- For a more intense flavor, you can add some diced bacon or sausage to the cabbage mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the oil with butter and add chopped mushrooms.
- If you want a simpler pie, you can use sauerkraut, but the salting step is no longer necessary.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh or pickled cabbage?
Of course! Fresh cabbage offers a sweeter taste and better texture, while pickled cabbage will add a sour and distinct flavor.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you know all the secrets of this delicious recipe, all that's left is to start cooking! The cabbage pie is a dish that brings together tradition and authentic taste, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!