Cabbage with sausage baked in the oven

Baked Cabbage with Cabanos: A Recipe Full of Memories

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of flavors and traditions with our delicious recipe for baked cabbage with cabanos. This dish not only combines the intense flavors of the ingredients but also evokes cherished memories, served on a log under acacia flowers. So, let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 medium cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 300 g cabanos sausages
- 400 g smoked pork with bone
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 150 ml tomato paste
- 200 ml sweet red wine
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing

Preparation: Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cabbage
Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage. Use a sharp knife to remove the core. Once you have cleaned the cabbage, finely chop it. This will allow the flavors to meld closely during cooking.

2. Macerating the Cabbage
Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle coarse salt over it. Rub the cabbage between your palms so that the salt penetrates well. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, during which it will release its juice. This process not only helps to soften the cabbage but also enriches the flavor.

3. Draining the Cabbage
After the cabbage has rested, drain the excess water. This is an important step to avoid a dish that is too wet.

4. Sautéing the Cabbage
In a large pot, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the drained cabbage and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This will help develop the flavors.

5. Seasoning
Add freshly ground black pepper and mix well. Then, add the sweet red wine mixed with the tomato paste. Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and blend the flavors.

6. Adding the Meat
Cut the pork into large pieces and add it to the pot, along with the dried thyme and slices of garlic. Mix everything well, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the sauce.

7. Baking
Transfer the mixture to a clay pot or a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and the cabbage is soft.

8. Preparing the Cabanos
In the last 10 minutes of baking, slice the cabanos diagonally, score them lightly, and add them on top of the dish. They will become crispy and add a savory note.

Serving

After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread and a glass of red wine. Imagine savoring this dish on a wooden log, surrounded by acacia flowers. A unique experience!

Helpful Tips

- Ingredients: Choose a fresh cabbage with firm leaves for better flavor. Cabanos sausages can be replaced with other types of sausages, depending on preference.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or peppers, to diversify the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of wine.
- Storage: The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe provides a combination of protein from the meat and sausages, fiber from the cabbage, as well as antioxidants from tomatoes and wine. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while smoked pork adds extra flavor, being a rich source of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, pickled cabbage is a good alternative, but you will need to adjust the amount of salt.

2. What kind of wine should I choose?
A sweet red wine is ideal for adding a rich flavor. Choose a quality wine that you can also enjoy during the meal.

3. Can it be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with mushrooms and the sausages with plant-based alternatives.

Tasty Pairings

This dish pairs excellently with a simple green salad or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a dry red wine will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Prepare to enjoy a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings to the forefront cherished traditions and memories. Baked cabbage with cabanos is more than just a dish - it is a celebration of flavors and senses!