Sweet cabbage with pork in the oven

Sweet cabbage with pork in the oven: a comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes Number of servings: 6

Sweet cabbage with pork in the oven is a traditional dish, full of flavor and comfort, perfectly combining the taste of fresh vegetables with the juiciness of meat. This dish is not only nourishing but also extremely easy to prepare, making it ideal for a family dinner or a festive meal.

Ingredients needed:

- 2 kg white cabbage (choose fresh, firm cabbage without spots)
- 2 carrots (preferably medium-sized, for a sweet taste)
- 1 parsnip (this will add a distinct aromatic note)
- 1 bell pepper (a sweet pepper, for a splash of color)
- 1 white onion (which will add flavor to the dish)
- 1 tomato (fresh, for the sauce)
- 1 bunch of dill (aromatic and fresh)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 kg pork goulash (choose meat with a bit of fat for better flavor)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for aroma)
- Spices: sweet paprika, basil, pepper, salt
- 1 chicken Maggi cube (for an intense flavor)

Preparing the vegetables:

Start by preparing all the ingredients. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and a pleasant experience in the kitchen. Wash the cabbage, carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, and onion well.

1. Grating and cutting the vegetables: Grate the cabbage using a large grater. Cut the carrots and parsnip into thin slices, and dice the bell pepper into small cubes. Chop the onion finely.

Cooking the meat:

2. Sautéing the meat: In a cauldron, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Cut the pork into smaller pieces so that it cooks evenly. Add the meat to the cauldron and let it sauté until it becomes lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped vegetables (carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, and onion). Mix well and let them sauté together for 10-15 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Incorporating the cabbage: Now it’s time to add the grated cabbage. Mix everything well to combine the flavors and let the cabbage soften for a few minutes.

5. Adding water: Add enough water to cover the ingredients (about 200-300 ml). Cover the cauldron with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. This step will help blend the flavors and make the meat tender.

6. Finalizing the oven preparation: After 30 minutes, add the chicken Maggi cube, stirring well to dissolve it. Transfer the entire mixture to a heat-resistant dish.

Preparing the sauce:

7. Making the sauce: Grate the tomato and mix it with the crushed garlic cloves. Add your favorite spices: sweet paprika, basil, pepper, and salt. This sauce will add a note of freshness and an intense flavor to your dish.

8. Pour the sauce over the mixture in the dish: Pour the sauce over the cabbage and meat mixture, ensuring it is well distributed. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Baking:

9. Placing in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. This step will allow the flavors to combine and make the pork extremely tender.

10. Finalizing and serving: After one hour, remove the dish from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Sprinkle finely chopped dill on top for added flavor and color.

Serving suggestions:

Sweet cabbage with pork in the oven is served warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy note and balance the flavors. This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with a plate of polenta or fresh bread to soak up the rich juices.

Tips and variations:

- If you want to add a spicy flavor, you can include a finely chopped hot pepper during the meat sautéing.
- Instead of pork, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- You can enhance the dish with spices like cumin or coriander for an exotic taste.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system. Pork provides quality protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use red cabbage instead of white cabbage? Yes, red cabbage will add a beautiful color and a slightly different taste, but it will work just as well.
- How long can I keep the food in the fridge? The dish can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the dish in small portions, but make sure it is well cooled before placing it in the freezer.

Conclusion:

Sweet cabbage with pork in the oven is a simple and comforting recipe, perfect for moments when you want to indulge in a warm meal. Not only will it satisfy your taste buds, but it will also bring a feeling of warmth and nostalgia in every bite. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and add your own variations to make this recipe a part of your culinary stories!