Cabbage with Smoked Pork

To prepare a delicious sautéed cabbage with smoked ham hock, we start by choosing a sharp knife, essential for making precise cuts. We take a fresh cabbage, cut it in half, and then divide the two halves again, resulting in four equal pieces. These are then finely chopped from the top to the core, ensuring the cabbage is evenly cut. We place it in a large tray or a deep pot, where we sprinkle it with salt. This step is essential because the salt helps release the juices from the cabbage. Using our hands, we knead the cabbage to soften it slightly.

The next step is to prepare the other ingredients. We clean a large onion, a bell pepper, and a few carrots, which we cut into small cubes or grate, depending on our preferences. The smoked ham hock, the key ingredient of this recipe, is cut into suitable pieces so that it integrates perfectly into the dish.

In a deep frying pan or pot, we start to sauté the onion in a little hot oil until it becomes glassy. We add the carrots and bell pepper, letting them sauté together for a few minutes until they release their flavors. Then it's time to add the cabbage, along with the pieces of smoked ham hock. We season with salt, freshly ground pepper, sweet paprika, and a few thyme leaves, which will add extra flavor.

To combine all the flavors, we add a cup of water, then let the mixture simmer over medium heat. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the cabbage from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After about 20 minutes, we transfer the dish to the oven, where we let it cook for another 20 minutes at a moderate temperature. It is essential to check constantly, ensuring that the cabbage does not reduce too much and that the dish does not run out of liquid. If necessary, we can add a little water.

While the cabbage is cooking, we take care of the fresh tomatoes. We grate them, obtaining a delicious tomato juice that we will add to the cabbage mixture. We let everything simmer, stirring occasionally and adjusting the seasonings to taste, to achieve a rich and flavorful dish.

Once the cabbage is soft and aromatic, we sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top, which will add a note of freshness to the dish. It is served warm, alongside hot peppers for those who prefer a spicy touch. This dish is perfect for enjoying on cool days, bringing comfort and satisfaction to the festive table or on ordinary days. Enjoy your meal!