Sweet cabbage with smoked ham and oven-baked kaiser

Name: Sweet cabbage with smoked ham and oven-baked kaiser - Ruxandra C.
Ingredients: 1 large green cabbage; 1 smoked boneless ham hock; 250g of kaiser; 1 red bell pepper; 1 onion; 1 carrot; fresh dill; fresh parsley; salt; pepper; 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste; 1 teaspoon of thyme; 1/2 cup of borscht; 5 tablespoons of homemade tomato paste; 2 tablespoons of tomato paste; 2 tablespoons of oil

Meat - Sweet cabbage with smoked ham and oven-baked kaiser by Ruxandra C. - Recipia

Sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock and oven-baked kaizer: a madness of aroma and flavor Welcome to the culinary world of dishes that combine tradition with authentic taste! Today, I invite you to discover the delicious recipe for sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock and oven-baked kaizer. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also an excellent way to bring family and friends to the table, enjoying wonderful moments together. Cabbage, the main ingredient, is known for its versatility, and when combined with smoked ham hock and kaizer, the result is simply irresistible. Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Number of servings: 6-8 The ingredients needed for this recipe are: - 1 large green cabbage - 1 boneless smoked ham hock (approximately 600-800 g) - 250 g kaizer - 1 bell pepper - 1 onion - 1 carrot - A handful of fresh dill - A handful of fresh parsley - Salt, to taste - Pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste - 1 teaspoon of thyme - 1/2 cup of borscht - 5 tablespoons of homemade tomato paste - 2 tablespoons of tomato puree - 2 tablespoons of oil Let's talk a little about the ingredients. Cabbage is not only tasty but also very healthy, being rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. The smoked ham hock and kaizer add an extra layer of flavor, and their aromas blend perfectly with the vegetables. The bell pepper, onion, and carrot complete this dish with a crunchy texture and a vibrant palette of colors. Step 1: Preparing the ingredients Start by washing the cabbage under a stream of cold water, then slice it into thin strips. This will allow the cabbage to cook evenly and soften faster. The bell pepper should be seeded and diced, while the onion is finely chopped. Peel the carrot and slice it into thin rounds. Don’t forget the greens: wash the dill and parsley, remove the stems, and chop them finely. Step 2: Preparing the meat The smoked ham hock deserves special attention. Lightly char it over a flame to enhance its aroma, then rinse it under running water. Cut it into suitable pieces. The kaizer is sliced into not-too-thick slices to brown evenly during cooking. Step 3: Cooking the vegetables In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the pieces of kaizer and ham hock and sauté them for 1 minute until they become slightly crispy. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is essential to bring out the flavors of the vegetables. Step 4: Adding the cabbage Once the vegetables have softened slightly, add one and a half cups of water. When it starts to boil, add the chopped cabbage and roasted pepper paste. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then add the chopped greens. This combination will give the dish a fresh and delicious aroma. Step 5: Preparing the tomato mixture In a bowl, combine the borscht, tomato puree, and homemade tomato paste. This mixture will add a rich taste and pleasant acidity to your dish. Step 6: Baking in the oven Transfer the cabbage to a baking dish or ceramic pot. Pour the borscht and tomato mixture over it, gently mixing to ensure all ingredients are well integrated. Place the dish in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature. You will be delighted by the aroma that will spread throughout the kitchen! Step 7: Serving After about an hour, when the cabbage is well cooked, the juice has reduced to the desired consistency, and a slightly browned crust has formed on top, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. This sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock and kaizer is perfect alongside warm polenta or a slice of fresh bread. Serving suggestions: For an even more enjoyable culinary experience, you can serve this dish with a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of sour cream on top of the serving will bring extra creaminess. Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add various vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, or you can replace the ham hock with chicken for a lighter version. You can also adjust the spices according to your preferences. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use pickled cabbage instead of sweet cabbage? Of course! Pickled cabbage will add a pleasant acidity to the dish, but be careful with the amount of salt used. 2. Is this recipe suitable for people who are fasting? Although the original recipe contains meat, you can adapt the ingredients and use only vegetables, eliminating the ham hock and kaizer. 3. What can I do with the leftovers? If there are any leftovers, sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock can be reheated the next day and is just as tasty! Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe for sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock and kaizer baked in the oven is a good source of protein and vitamins. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat used. Cabbage, as the main ingredient, contributes essential fiber for digestion and is a filling food, ideal for a hearty meal. In conclusion, this recipe for sweet cabbage with smoked ham hock and kaizer baked in the oven is not just a delicious dish, but also a way to connect with culinary traditions and bring joy to the family. I encourage you to try it and share the result with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!