Cabbage with Smoked Ham and Polenta - A classic recipe, full of flavors and tradition
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
A dish that combines simplicity with rich flavor, cabbage with smoked ham and polenta is a meal that reminds us of family gatherings and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is perfect for cool days, being comforting and filling. Moreover, it is an easy recipe to prepare, making it ideal for any cooking enthusiast, regardless of experience level.
Basic ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage (about 1-1.5 kg)
- 500 g smoked ham (or any other type of smoked meat, preferably with a higher fat content for added flavor)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil is ideal)
- 2 large onions (choose yellow or white onions, which are sweeter)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for a touch of acidity and color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 bay leaves (for added flavor)
- 1 cup water (approx. 250 ml)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion. Chop it finely so it can sauté evenly and blend well with the other ingredients. Wash the cabbage thoroughly and cut it into thin strips. It is recommended to choose a sweet cabbage, which will give a more pleasant taste to the dish.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is essential, as the onion will add a flavorful base.
3. Adding the ham: Once the onion is sautéed, add the smoked ham cut into cubes or strips. Let it fry for 5-7 minutes so that it releases its flavors and becomes slightly crispy.
4. Incorporating the cabbage: Now, add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Also, add the cup of water and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften and start releasing its juices.
5. Seasoning: After 10 minutes, add salt, pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaves. These spices will enhance the flavor of the dish. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer everything from the pot to a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to develop and make the cabbage even tastier.
7. Preparing the polenta: While the dish is baking, prepare the polenta. Boil a quantity of water (about 1 liter) in a pot and add a pinch of salt. When the water comes to a boil, gradually add 250 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for 15-20 minutes until it becomes creamy and thick.
8. Serving: When the cabbage with ham is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, alongside the polenta, which can be sliced or portioned into bowls. You can top it with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Useful tips:
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add a few slices of chili pepper while sautéing the onion.
- You can vary the recipe using pork, beef, or even smoked sausages, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure the cabbage is well cleaned of dirt and impurities, especially if you are using fresh cabbage from the garden.
- This recipe is perfect for reheating the next day. The flavors blend and become even more intense.
Nutritional information:
This dish is rich in fiber due to the cabbage, and the smoked ham provides quality protein. The polenta adds complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. One serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the exact quantities of ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sauerkraut? Yes, you can use sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage, but adjust the amount of salt, as sauerkraut is already salty.
- What can I use instead of ham? You can replace the ham with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option, using mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, cabbage with ham freezes well. Make sure it is well cooled before placing it in airtight containers.
This is the perfect recipe for a relaxing family dinner or a special occasion. Its authentic taste and inviting aromas will turn every meal into a memorable experience. So, don’t hesitate, grab the ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
A dish that combines simplicity with rich flavor, cabbage with smoked ham and polenta is a meal that reminds us of family gatherings and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is perfect for cool days, being comforting and filling. Moreover, it is an easy recipe to prepare, making it ideal for any cooking enthusiast, regardless of experience level.
Basic ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage (about 1-1.5 kg)
- 500 g smoked ham (or any other type of smoked meat, preferably with a higher fat content for added flavor)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil is ideal)
- 2 large onions (choose yellow or white onions, which are sweeter)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for a touch of acidity and color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 bay leaves (for added flavor)
- 1 cup water (approx. 250 ml)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion. Chop it finely so it can sauté evenly and blend well with the other ingredients. Wash the cabbage thoroughly and cut it into thin strips. It is recommended to choose a sweet cabbage, which will give a more pleasant taste to the dish.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is essential, as the onion will add a flavorful base.
3. Adding the ham: Once the onion is sautéed, add the smoked ham cut into cubes or strips. Let it fry for 5-7 minutes so that it releases its flavors and becomes slightly crispy.
4. Incorporating the cabbage: Now, add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Also, add the cup of water and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften and start releasing its juices.
5. Seasoning: After 10 minutes, add salt, pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaves. These spices will enhance the flavor of the dish. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer everything from the pot to a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to develop and make the cabbage even tastier.
7. Preparing the polenta: While the dish is baking, prepare the polenta. Boil a quantity of water (about 1 liter) in a pot and add a pinch of salt. When the water comes to a boil, gradually add 250 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for 15-20 minutes until it becomes creamy and thick.
8. Serving: When the cabbage with ham is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, alongside the polenta, which can be sliced or portioned into bowls. You can top it with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Useful tips:
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add a few slices of chili pepper while sautéing the onion.
- You can vary the recipe using pork, beef, or even smoked sausages, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure the cabbage is well cleaned of dirt and impurities, especially if you are using fresh cabbage from the garden.
- This recipe is perfect for reheating the next day. The flavors blend and become even more intense.
Nutritional information:
This dish is rich in fiber due to the cabbage, and the smoked ham provides quality protein. The polenta adds complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. One serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the exact quantities of ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sauerkraut? Yes, you can use sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage, but adjust the amount of salt, as sauerkraut is already salty.
- What can I use instead of ham? You can replace the ham with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option, using mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, cabbage with ham freezes well. Make sure it is well cooled before placing it in airtight containers.
This is the perfect recipe for a relaxing family dinner or a special occasion. Its authentic taste and inviting aromas will turn every meal into a memorable experience. So, don’t hesitate, grab the ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
1 suitable cabbage, 500 grams of smoked bacon, 100 ml of oil, 2 onions, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, salt, pepper, bay leaves, 1 cup of water