Cabbage à la Cluj

Delicious Cluj Cabbage Recipe

I invite you to discover a traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth, that will remind you of family meals. Cluj Cabbage is a dish that combines the crunchy texture of cabbage with the richness of minced meat, resulting in a comforting meal, perfect for chilly days or special occasions.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 2 cabbages (approximately 2 kg)
- 1 kg minced pork
- 200 g rice
- 2 large onions
- 400 g tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon salt, to taste
- Whole peppercorns, to taste
- Ground white pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Bay leaves, 2-3 pieces
- Thyme, to taste
- Olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons
- 1 small cube of butter
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage
Start by slicing the cabbages into thin strips. This is an essential step to ensure a pleasant texture for your dish. Place the cabbages in a large pot, add 2 cups of water, bay leaves, peppercorns, sweet paprika, and salt. Boil over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes soft but not overly mushy. Towards the end of boiling, add lemon salt to provide a slightly sour taste that will balance the flavors.

Step 2: Preparing the meat mixture
In a pan, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until golden. This will add a delicious flavor to the mixture. Once the onion is ready, add the rice and a cup of water. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as the rice will absorb the flavors and become fluffy. After 10 minutes, add the tomato paste (400 g) and mix well. When the rice starts to swell, add the minced meat, stirring well to combine everything.

Step 3: Seasoning
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add salt, ground white pepper, a bit of thyme, and chopped dill for extra flavor. This spice mix will transform the dish into a true delicacy.

Step 4: Assembling the dish
Prepare a deep pot, greasing it with a cube of butter. Start assembling the dish: place a layer of cabbage, followed by a layer of the meat and rice mixture. Continue alternating layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cabbage. Finally, add tomato paste on top and sprinkle with chopped dill, which will add a fresh and colorful touch to your plate.

Step 5: Baking
Place the pot in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 40 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to combine and intensify, and the surface to become slightly golden.

Serving:
Once the dish is ready, serve generously alongside fresh sour cream and a portion of warm polenta. The combination of these textures and flavors will be simply divine.

Practical tip: If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can replace the pork with beef or chicken, depending on your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for an extra splash of color and nutrition.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the minced meat, while the cabbage provides a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A serving of Cluj Cabbage is nutritionally balanced, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sauerkraut?
Yes, sauerkraut can be an excellent alternative, but make sure to rinse it well to reduce the salt.

2. What other spices can I add?
You can experiment with various spices, such as hot paprika or minced garlic, to achieve a more intense flavor.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Cluj Cabbage stores excellently in the refrigerator in airtight containers and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

4. What other dishes can it be combined with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or pickles, providing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

I encourage you to try this Cluj Cabbage recipe and enjoy every bite. It is an excellent choice for a family meal or an evening with friends. Every dish has a story, and this one is full of tradition and love. Bon appétit!