Moussaka with sauerkraut leaves or deconstructed stuffed cabbage

Sour Cabbage Moussaka – a delicious reinterpretation of stuffed cabbage

When it comes to traditional dishes, sour cabbage holds a special place in the hearts of many of us. This sour cabbage moussaka recipe is a simplified version of stuffed cabbage, ideal for savoring the last pickled cabbage in a unique and delicious way. Moreover, it is a quicker dish, perfect for days when time is limited, but the appetite is great. So, let’s discover together how we can bring a flavorful moussaka to our table, with enticing aromas and a comforting texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours
Number of servings: 6 – 8 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 large pickled cabbage (or 2 smaller ones)
- 700 g mixed ground meat (pork and beef)
- 4 medium onions
- 100 g smoked bacon
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon lard
- Vegeta (or another spice mix)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt (to taste)

Recipe preparation:

1. Desalting the cabbage – Start by desalting the sour cabbage. Place the cabbage in cold water and let it soak for 5-6 hours. This step is essential as it helps to reduce the saltiness of the cabbage, making it more pleasant to taste. You can change the water a few times to speed up the process.

2. Preparing the cabbage leaves – After desalting, carefully separate the cabbage leaves and cut off the hard stems. Stack the cabbage leaves and gently squeeze them to remove excess water.

3. Preparing the filling – Peel the onions and chop them finely. Cut the smoked bacon into small cubes. In a pan, add the oil and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Then add the bacon and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

4. Adding the meat – To the onion and bacon mixture, add a little water, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, and mix well. Incorporate the ground meat, add a little extra water, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

5. Seasoning – Once the meat mixture is homogenized, add the Vegeta and pepper. Let the filling cool slightly.

6. Assembling the moussaka – Grease a pot with lard and line it with breadcrumbs. Start layering: a layer of sour cabbage leaves followed by a layer of meat filling. Continue alternating layers until you finish the ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is cabbage leaves.

7. Preparing the sauce – In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with a glass of water. Pour the sauce evenly over the moussaka, so it is well covered.

8. Baking – Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pot in the oven. Let it bake for 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is important to check occasionally and rotate the pot left-right to prevent sticking.

9. Ready to serve – Once the juice has reduced and the moussaka has developed a golden crust, take it out of the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. It is delicious accompanied by sour cream, alongside a portion of polenta and, for those who enjoy it, a fresh hot pepper.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have pickled cabbage, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to boil it slightly to soften the leaves.
- You can also add boiled rice to the filling for an even richer texture.
- This moussaka can be prepared in advance and reheated, becoming even more flavorful the next day.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and fiber, contributing to a healthy immune system and digestion. Ground meat adds essential proteins, while smoked bacon provides a rich and savory taste, perfectly balanced by the acidity of the cabbage.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork and beef?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey, but the taste will be different.
2. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version?
You can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms and add vegetables such as carrots or zucchini for a more complex flavor.
3. What type of cheese can I add to the filling?
Feta cheese or cottage cheese can add a creamy and savory note.

This sour cabbage moussaka is more than just a simple dish; it is a story of traditions and culinary family joys. I invite you to prepare it and delight your loved ones with a savory dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!