Cabbage with chicken, baked

Oven-Baked Cabbage with Chicken Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

I invite you to discover a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make recipe: oven-baked cabbage with chicken. This recipe is not only a substantial meal but also an opportunity to enjoy the enticing flavors of fresh ingredients, transforming them into a comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive gathering.

The history of this recipe is fascinating: cabbage, a staple ingredient in many cultures, has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a nutrient-rich and fiber-filled food, often used in everyday meals due to its versatility. When combined with chicken and a few smoked sausages, cabbage becomes a dish that blends tradition with contemporary taste.

Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage or 2 smaller cabbages
- 3-4 chicken drumsticks (or preferred chicken meat)
- 2-3 smoked sausages
- 2-3 medium onions
- 2-3 tablespoons of mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 200 ml of broth (or tomato juice)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Oil for greasing the tray
- Water (approximately 200 ml)

Preparation:

1. Marinating the meat (optional): If you have time, a great idea is to marinate the chicken the night before. Mix the mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and oil in a bowl. Add the chicken drumsticks and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. This step will not only enhance the flavor but also make the meat more tender.

2. Preparing the cabbage: Wash the cabbage and cut it in half. Remove the core and chop the cabbage into thin strips. Place the cabbage in a large bowl, add salt, and massage it well with your hands to soften the leaves. This essential step will help reduce the bitterness of the cabbage and make it easier to digest. After massaging the cabbage, squeeze it gently to remove excess water.

3. Preparing the onions and sausages: Cut the onion into small cubes. Then, slice the sausages. These ingredients will add flavor to the final dish.

4. Assembling the dish: In a greased tray, add the squeezed cabbage, chopped onion, and sausage slices. Sprinkle a little pepper, then dilute the broth in 200 ml of water and pour it evenly over the mixture in the tray. This step will ensure a rich flavor and a delicious sauce.

5. Adding the meat: Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the cabbage mixture. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the meat to cook evenly.

6. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C and place the tray inside. Let it bake for 45-60 minutes. After this interval, reduce the temperature to 150-170°C and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and result in soft and tasty cabbage.

7. Browning and finishing: Once the time is up, remove the aluminum foil and add the bay leaves. Leave the dish in the oven until the cabbage is beautifully browned, achieving a golden and appetizing color. This step will add extra texture and a special appearance to the dish.

8. Serving: Once all the ingredients are cooked, take the tray out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh salad or homemade bread. A bottle of white wine or green tea can perfectly complement this meal.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have smoked sausages on hand, you can use any other type of sausage, but the flavor will be different.
- Cabbage can be replaced with Brussels sprouts or kale for a more modern variant.
- If you like a spicier taste, add a little chili pepper or chili flakes.

Nutritional benefits: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, making it beneficial for digestion. Chicken provides quality protein, and sausages add extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned cabbage? It is recommended to use fresh cabbage for better texture and taste.
- How can I tell if the meat is cooked? You can check with a kitchen thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C.
- How long can the dish be stored? You can keep the cabbage with chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

This oven-baked cabbage with chicken recipe is not only a delicious choice but also a perfect opportunity to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every bite and relish the flavors that envelop you! Enjoy your meal!