Sweet cabbage with peasant bacon

Sweet cabbage with country bacon: a hearty and delicious dish

This simple and tasty recipe for sweet cabbage with country bacon will delight you with its rich flavors and the fact that it combines tradition with simplicity. Cabbage, a staple ingredient in many cultures, has been an essential food throughout history, often considered a food of the poor, but when prepared correctly, it becomes a delicacy. Preparing this recipe will not only fill your stomach but also bring a touch of warmth to your soul.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 head of sweet white cabbage (approximately 3 kg)
- 300 g country bacon, diced
- 500 ml Panacris ketchup (or other quality ketchup)
- Iodized salt, to taste
- 200 ml sunflower oil
- 5 summer tomatoes, sliced
- Summer dill, for flavoring (also used for pickling)

Recipe preparation:

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage that are wilted or damaged. Then, cut the cabbage into smaller pieces or use a food processor to shred it. This technique will help the cabbage cook evenly and faster.

2. Sautéing the cabbage: Place the shredded cabbage in a large pot and add salt and oil. Mix well to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated. Let it sauté over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will start to soften and release its aroma.

3. Adding the bacon: Meanwhile, cut the country bacon into small cubes. After the 15 minutes of sautéing, add the bacon cubes to the pot with the cabbage. They will add a special flavor to the dish. Gently stir to integrate all the ingredients.

4. The ketchup: Add the Panacris ketchup to the cabbage and bacon mixture. This ingredient will not only provide a natural sweetness but also a vibrant color to the dish. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.

5. Transferring to the baking dish: Transfer the cabbage mixture to an oven-safe dish. Make sure it is evenly distributed for proper baking.

6. The dill and tomatoes: Add the summer dill sprigs, which will bring a fresh and aromatic scent. Then, cover the mixture with the tomato slices. These will provide a pleasant contrast both aesthetically and in taste.

7. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for about 40 minutes. During this time, the flavors will blend perfectly, and the cabbage will become soft and delicious.

8. Serving: Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the sweet cabbage with hot bacon, alongside a spoonful of sour cream or with hot peppers, depending on your preferences. You can accompany this dish with fresh homemade bread or polenta.

Useful tips:
- Sweet cabbage is available in the cold season, but you can also use pickled cabbage at other times of the year for a different flavor.
- Make sure the bacon is of good quality, preferably from a local producer, for an authentic taste.
- Experiment with different types of ketchup or even homemade tomato sauces to further customize the dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat instead of bacon? Yes, you can try sausages, bacon, or even chicken.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? You can omit the bacon and add more vegetables, such as carrots or mushrooms.
- How long can this dish be stored? It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers considerable nutritional value, thanks to the cabbage rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The bacon provides protein and healthy fats, while the tomatoes offer lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. A serving of sweet cabbage with bacon has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the serving size.

Ideal combinations:
This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry red wine or fruit compote. Additionally, a fresh vegetable salad would perfectly complement the meals, bringing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is start cooking and enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!