Cabbage a la Cluj II

Cabbage à la Cluj: A Traditional Delight with a Homey Flavor

Introduction

Welcome to the universe of authentic tastes, where tradition and nostalgia intertwine harmoniously! Today, I will tell you about Cabbage à la Cluj, a dish that brings back childhood memories of days spent in grandma's kitchen, where the inviting smell of sautéed cabbage mingled with cherished memories. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a culinary story that connects us to our roots.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

To recreate this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 kg green cabbage (choose thin and crunchy leaves)
- 100 ml oil or 100 g fresh pork lard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
- 2 sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 300 g rice (preferably parboiled long-grain rice)
- 1 kg meat (a mix of high-quality pork and beef)
- 2 yellow onions
- 3 green onions
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup tomato puree (homemade for an authentic taste)
- 500 g smoked pork neck (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)
- Sour cream for serving (to add creaminess and flavor)

Preparing the Cabbage

1. Preparing the cabbage: Remove the outer layer of leaves from the cabbage and rinse it under cold water. Slice it thinly for even cooking.

2. Sautéing the cabbage: In a large skillet, add the oil or lard and heat it. Add the sliced cabbage, salt, thyme, dill, and pepper. Mix well and let it sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in half a glass of water to help the cabbage cook faster.

3. Cooking the rice: Boil the rice in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Preparing the Filling

1. The onion: Peel and finely chop the yellow onions, preferably using a food processor to save time.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a separate skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion over low heat until translucent.

3. Adding the meat: Add the minced meat, salt, puree, and paprika. Mix well and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. If the smoked neck is too salty, you can quickly blanch it in hot water.

Assembling the Dish

1. The baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with a little oil.

2. The layers: Start assembling the dish in layers. Place a layer of cabbage, followed by a layer of rice, then a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat this sequence until you finish the ingredients, ending with a layer of cabbage.

3. Finishing: On top, pour a little tomato puree and add slices of fresh tomatoes for extra freshness. If you want a richer flavor, add slices of smoked neck. Drizzle a little oil on top and place the dish in the oven.

4. Baking: Let the dish bake for 30 minutes, or until it is nicely gratinated on top.

Serving

Serve Cabbage à la Cluj warm, with a generous spoonful of sour cream or thick yogurt on the side. Feel free to add red onion and hot pepper for extra flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with a pickled salad or fresh bread.

Practical Tips

- Variations: If you want a tangier version, you can add a few tablespoons of puree between the layers.
- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh cabbage with thin leaves for a more delicate taste. Sour cabbage can also be used, but it will add a stronger flavor.
- Cook for later: This dish keeps very well in the fridge and can be reheated without losing its flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage is a vegetable rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, with antioxidant properties. Rice provides complex carbohydrates, and meat brings essential proteins, making this dish not only tasty but also nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace pork and beef with chicken or turkey, depending on your preferences.

2. Can Cabbage à la Cluj be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all the flavors.

3. How can the recipe be adapted for vegans?
You can replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms and vegetables, and the sour cream with a sauce based on almonds or soy.

Conclusion

Cabbage à la Cluj is not just a recipe, but a symbol of tradition and home goodness. Whether you prepare it from memories or discover it for the first time, I invite you to enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!