Sautéed cabbage with polenta and sour cream

Sautéed cabbage with polenta and sour cream is a traditional Romanian recipe that combines the rich flavor of cabbage with the creamy texture of sour cream and polenta. It is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days when we want to indulge in simple yet flavorful meals. This recipe is easy to make and promises to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable mix (carrot, parsley, celery)
- 1 large onion
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 200 g sour cream (for serving)
- 300 g cornmeal (for polenta)
- 1 liter of water (for polenta)

Recipe history
Sautéed cabbage has deep roots in Romanian culinary tradition. Over time, it has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits. Cabbage is a vegetable rich in vitamins (C, K, B6) and minerals (calcium, iron), having beneficial effects on digestion and the immune system. It is said that the recipe was popularized in peasant households, where simple and healthy food was the order of the day.

Step by step for sautéed cabbage:
1. Preparing the cabbage: Wash the cabbage well under cold running water. Remove the damaged outer leaves and cut the cabbage in half. Remove the hard core and slice the cabbage into thin strips.

2. Preparing the onion: Peel and finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Adding the cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the onion. Let the cabbage sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. At first, the cabbage will puff up, but as it cooks, it will reduce in volume.

4. Seasoning: Add the vegetable mix, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the cabbage cook for another 10-15 minutes. If desired, you can also add a little water (about 50 ml) to help with the sautéing.

5. Finalizing the dish: In the last few minutes of cooking, add diced apple (optional, for a sweet note) and chopped dill.

Preparing the polenta:
1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add a little salt.

2. Adding the cornmeal: When the water is boiling, pour in the cornmeal in a rain-like fashion, continuously stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

3. Cooking the polenta: Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring the polenta for 15-20 minutes until it becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot. If you want creamier polenta, add a little butter or cheese in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving:
To serve, place a portion of sautéed cabbage on a plate alongside a generous serving of warm polenta. Add a spoonful of sour cream on top to complete this dish. A wonderful suggestion is to add some slices of fried sausage or smoked bacon to intensify the flavors.

Possible variations:
- Cabbage with meat: If you want to make this dish heartier, you can add diced pork or chicken, sautéing them together with the onion.
- Cabbage with mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms for an umami flavor and to diversify the dish.
- Additional spices: Experiment with spices like paprika or cumin, which can add a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage?
Of course! Pickled cabbage will give a tangy flavor to the dish, but be sure to adjust the salt quantity, as pickled cabbage is already salty.

- How can I store sautéed cabbage?
You can store sautéed cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage is a vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and is an excellent source of antioxidants. Polenta, made from cornmeal, provides complex carbohydrates and is a good choice for a balanced diet. The combination of cabbage, polenta, and sour cream offers a mix of essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.

Sautéed cabbage with polenta and sour cream is not just a recipe, but a true culinary experience, full of tradition and warmth. Enjoy every bite, letting the flavors and tastes remind you of family meals filled with love and goodness. Bon appétit!