Braised cabbage

Sautéed cabbage with smoked bacon is a traditional, simple, and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh ingredients with an unmistakable taste. This recipe is not just about cooking, but also about creating unforgettable moments around the table, bringing families and friends together. So, get ready to discover how to transform an ordinary cabbage into a true feast!

Preparation time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking time:
- 2 hours
Total time:
- 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings:
- 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 medium white cabbage (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 large onions
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of Delikat (or other preferred seasoning)
- A pinch of thyme
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 200 g smoked bacon (or any other preferred smoked meat)

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by chopping the cabbage. Remove the core and cut the cabbage into thin strips. Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl, add salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Massage the cabbage with your hands to help the salt penetrate and soften the leaves. Set it aside to marinate while you handle the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
Peel and chop the onion and carrot. Grate the tomatoes, removing the cores, and keep the pulp.

Step 3: Cook the smoked bacon
In a large skillet, add the smoked bacon and let it fry over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, keeping the fat in the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the tomato juice and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to intensify the flavors.

Step 5: Add the cabbage
After 10 minutes, add the marinated cabbage and smoked bacon to the skillet. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer slowly for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish the dish
10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the chopped dill and a pinch of thyme. These fresh flavors will give your dish a special taste. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.

Chef's tip:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few black peppercorns or a few bay leaves during the simmering. Also, if you prefer a slightly sweet note, you can increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the smoked bacon with smoked sausages or other types of meat. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add wild mushrooms or other seasonal vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
This sautéed cabbage with smoked bacon pairs perfectly with a serving of warm polenta or freshly baked homemade bread. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream on top for an extra creamy taste.

Nutritional information:
Cabbage is a vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, and it is low in calories. A serving of sautéed cabbage with smoked bacon contains about 250 calories, while providing a good source of protein due to the bacon. Dill adds an extra dose of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, you can use pickled cabbage, but you will need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe since pickled cabbage is already salty.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment by adding bell peppers, cauliflower, or even peas, which will add color and texture to the dish.

3. How can I store leftovers?
This dish stores excellently in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a pale beer pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the sautéed cabbage.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to grab the ingredients and enjoy this traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth! Enjoy your meal!