Cabbage Crumble

Cabbage Crumble: A Hearty and Healthy Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When it comes to culinary dishes that combine health with delicious taste, cabbage crumble is a perfect example. This recipe is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a light yet nourishing meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether served as a main dish or as a side, cabbage crumble is versatile and packed with nutrients.

History and Nutritional Benefits

Crumble, in general, comes from the tradition of home cooking, being an excellent method to reuse ingredients and create a comforting dish. Cabbage, a staple ingredient in many cultures, is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Eating cabbage can help support the immune system and maintain digestive health. Combined with other ingredients, this dish becomes not only delicious but also full of health benefits.

Necessary Ingredients

To prepare a special cabbage crumble, you will need the following ingredients:

For the filling:
- 1 kg fresh cabbage
- 1 large white onion
- 1 spring onion
- 150 g tomato and bell pepper sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sour borscht (for a touch of acidity)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil

For the crumble crust:
- 210 g wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or another preferred spice)
- 90 g palm oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 25 ml blonde beer (for a unique taste and better texture)

Step-by-Step Preparation of Cabbage Crumble

1. Wash and prepare the vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing the cabbage and onions. Dry them with a paper towel to remove excess water. This step is essential to prevent a soggy filling texture.

2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 190°C. This will ensure even baking and help achieve a perfectly crispy crust.

3. Cook the onion: Chop the white onion and spring onion into small pieces. In a pan, add the sunflower oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and lightly golden.

4. Add the tomato sauce and cabbage: Once the onion is sautéed, add the tomato and bell pepper sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add the finely chopped cabbage. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a bit of heat.

5. Enhance the flavor: Mix the ingredients well and add the sour borscht. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Prepare the crust: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dried thyme. Add the palm oil and beer. Mix well until you obtain a crumbly mixture, ideal for creating a crispy crust.

7. Assemble the crumble: In a ceramic dish (or another oven-safe dish), add the cabbage mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbly crust over it, ensuring you cover the filling evenly.

8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.

9. Serve with love: Once the crumble is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before portioning. You can serve this dish alongside a fresh salad or a portion of natural yogurt for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips and Variations

- If you want to add more vegetables, you can include grated carrots or peas for a splash of color and nutrients.
- Instead of palm oil, you can experiment with butter to achieve a richer flavor.
- If you want to refresh the recipe, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the cabbage mixture before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of salt, as sauerkraut is already salty.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be vegetarian?
The recipe is already vegetarian, but you can check the ingredients of the tomato and bell pepper sauce to ensure it does not contain animal-derived additives.

3. Is it possible to freeze the crumble?
Yes, you can freeze the crumble before baking. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

This cabbage crumble is perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. With a combination of simple and healthy ingredients, you will create a delicious dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy your meal!