Cabbage a la Cluj with soy

Cabbage a la Cluj with Soy – A Delicious Vegan Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Cabbage a la Cluj is a traditional dish often associated with family meals and festive occasions. This time, I propose an innovative and healthy version, perfect for fasting periods or for those who want to explore a vegan diet. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cabbage with the pleasant texture of soy, resulting in a dish that not only nourishes but also delights the taste buds.

Basic ingredients:
- 1 sweet cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg) or pickled cabbage, depending on preference
- 100 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1 cup (approximately 200 g) rice
- 200 g soy granules
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Dried thyme (half a teaspoon)
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the soy: In a pot over heat, add 200 g of soy granules along with 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, thyme, and the 3 crushed garlic cloves. Let it boil for 10 minutes until the soy absorbs the flavors and becomes soft. This step not only enriches the taste but also transforms soy into an excellent source of protein.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes golden and soft. This will provide a sweet taste to the dish, perfectly complementing the cabbage and soy. Once the onion is sautéed, add the drained soy and mix well. Taste and adjust the spices, adding salt and pepper as desired.

3. Preparing the cabbage: In another pot, place the finely chopped cabbage and sauté it in the remaining oil (approximately 2 tablespoons) until it becomes soft. Here, we can already use hot vegetable broth made from a dissolved stock cube in 1 liter of water to intensify the flavor of the cabbage. Gradually add the broth and let the cabbage boil until it reduces and becomes tender.

4. Cooking the rice: In a saucepan, boil the rice in salted water or, for added flavor, in vegetable broth. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until it swells and becomes fluffy. It is an essential ingredient that will give the dish consistency.

5. Assembling the dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a greased baking dish, start layering. Place a layer of cabbage, followed by a layer of soy with onion, then a layer of rice. Continue with another layer of cabbage. Finally, dilute the tomato paste in water and pour it over the top. This will provide a tangy note and a distinctive look to the dish.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the dish is golden and browned on top. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible!

Serving:
Cabbage a la Cluj with soy is served warm, and for added flavor, I recommend it with creamy polenta. Its soft texture and the intense taste of cabbage and soy perfectly blend with the consistency of the polenta. It can also be enjoyed with a fresh salad of tomatoes or peppers to add a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have time or desire to prepare vegetable broth at home, a stock cube is a quick and efficient solution.
- Experiment with different spices! Oregano or basil can add a note of freshness, and chili flakes can provide a bit of heat.
- Cabbage can be varied! If you prefer a more acidic flavor, use pickled cabbage. This will bring a unique taste to the dish, but be sure to adjust the salt based on how salty the cabbage is.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the soy, and cabbage is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K. A serving of cabbage a la Cluj with soy can contain approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the proportions used, making it a healthy and filling choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace soy with something else?
Yes, you can use chopped mushrooms or lentils to maintain the protein and texture.

2. Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! Cabbage is very nutritious, and soy provides a pleasant texture. Make sure to adjust the spices to suit children's tastes.

3. What other dishes can I make with cabbage?
Cabbage can be used in salads, soups, or even stuffed cabbage rolls. It is a versatile ingredient that you can incorporate into many recipes.

I hope you will try this recipe for cabbage a la Cluj with soy and that you will appreciate the combination of flavors and textures! Cooking is an art, so don’t hesitate to experiment and add your own personal touches. Enjoy your meal!