Sweet Cabbage with Beef

Sweet Cabbage with Beef - A Recipe Packed with Flavors and Memories

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who can resist a serving of sweet cabbage with beef, slowly cooked, with flavors that embrace your senses? This traditional recipe, with deep roots in culinary culture, combines the savory taste of beef with the sweetness of cabbage, transforming into a comforting dish, perfect for family meals. Whether it's a chilly autumn day or an ordinary evening, sweet cabbage with beef brings not only delicious flavors but also pleasant memories.

Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized cabbages
- 2 large tomatoes (or 3 smaller ones)
- 10 cubes of smoked ham
- 250 grams of beef neck
- 2-3 tablespoons of margarine (or butter, or oil)
- 250 grams of diluted tomato paste with a little water
- Salt, pepper (ground and whole)
- Hot paprika (chili)
- A bay leaf

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by chopping the two cabbages into thin strips. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them. Massage the cabbage with your hands to soften it slightly. This will help release the juice from the cabbage and make cooking more even. Let the cabbage sit for a few minutes.

2. Cooking the base ingredients: Cut the tomatoes into medium-sized cubes. Arrange them at the bottom of a large heat-resistant pot to form a juicy base. Add the cubes of smoked ham on top of the tomatoes. This layer will provide a smoky and rich flavor to the cabbage.

3. Sautéing the ham: Place the pot over medium heat and sauté the smoked ham slightly to enhance its flavor. After a few minutes, add the margarine (or butter/oil) and wait for it to melt completely.

4. Adding the cabbage: Once the margarine is melted, add the cabbage. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Sauté the cabbage for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly soft.

5. Seasoning: Now, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, hot paprika, and bay leaf. Mix everything well, and the flavors will combine splendidly.

6. Preparing the meat: In a separate pan, cut the beef neck into small cubes and cook until it is lightly browned. This will add a pleasant texture and savory taste to the dish. Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to the pot with cabbage.

7. Adding the tomato paste: Dilute the tomato paste with a little water (about 100 ml) and add it to the pot. This will bring extra moisture and help form a delicious sauce. Make sure the cabbage remains juicy but not too soft.

8. Baking: Let the dish simmer on the stove for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 30-40 minutes. The goal is for the cabbage to soften well but still retain some liquid, so it doesn't become too dry.

9. Serving: Once the sweet cabbage with beef is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve this delicious dish alongside warm polenta or with a slice of fresh bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color.

Practical Tips:
- If you like a spicier taste, you can also add a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the cabbage.
- A vegetarian version of this dish can be made by replacing the beef with mushrooms or tofu.
- Sweet cabbage with beef pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine, which will enhance the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the cabbage and tomatoes, which are excellent sources of antioxidants. The beef provides essential proteins, while the smoked ham adds extra flavor but also calories. A serving of sweet cabbage with beef contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil or margarine used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sauerkraut instead of sweet cabbage? Yes, but the taste will be different, and the dish will have a more acidic flavor.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Absolutely! This dish improves with each passing day, so you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it as needed.

Possible Variations:
- You can add carrots or celery to vary the texture and flavor.
- Instead of tomato paste, use tomato sauce or even a can of diced tomatoes to add a note of freshness.

Whether you choose to prepare it for a family dinner or a festive meal, sweet cabbage with beef will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!