Cabbage pies (vegan)

Cabbage Pies - A Hearty and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Cabbage pies are a wonderful choice for a quick and delicious meal. These snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to serve them at a party, a family dinner, or simply indulge in something tasty. Today's recipe is simple and accessible, yet full of flavor and tradition.

Ingredients Needed

- 400 g pie dough (fully thawed)
- 300 g sauerkraut (pickled), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing the cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the pies)
- Pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves

Preparing the Cabbage Filling

1. Sautéing the Cabbage: Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped cabbage and bay leaves. It is important to sauté the cabbage well so that it releases all its juices and becomes soft. This step is crucial, as overly wet cabbage will make the pies soggy. Sautéing the cabbage takes about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Seasoning: Once the cabbage has softened, add pepper to taste. The sour flavor of the cabbage will blend perfectly with the spices. You can adjust the amount of pepper according to your preferences.

Making the Pies

3. Preparing the Dough: Roll out the pie dough on a clean surface. Cut it into squares of approximately 8 cm. Make sure the dough is well thawed, so it can be easily handled.

4. Filling the Pies: In the center of each square of dough, place a tablespoon of the cabbage mixture. Be careful not to overfill, or the dough won't seal properly.

5. Forming the Triangles: Fold each square of dough to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal them well. You can use a fork to create a pattern on the edges and ensure the pies are well closed.

6. Brushing the Pies: Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each triangle with olive oil; this will help achieve a golden and crispy crust when baked. If you’re not vegetarian, you can replace the olive oil with a beaten egg for extra shine.

Baking the Pies

7. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve perfectly baked pies.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let the pies bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking will be irresistible.

Serving the Pies

Once baked, let the pies cool slightly before serving. Cabbage pies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a yogurt or sour cream sauce, which will add a touch of freshness. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a refreshing drink will perfectly complement the meal.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Fresh Cabbage vs. Sauerkraut: If you prefer a less sour filling, you can use fresh cabbage. In this case, you will need to sauté it longer to extract its juices.
- Additions: You can experiment by adding other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, cottage cheese, or even ground meat for a richer taste.
- Pie Dough: If you have time and want to try a homemade version, you can prepare pie dough from flour, water, and butter. The result will be an even tastier dough.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage is a healthy ingredient, rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, making it beneficial for digestion and the immune system. Cooking cabbage helps improve its digestibility, making it more stomach-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I freeze the pies before baking? Yes, you can freeze the pies before baking. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer on a tray and cover them with plastic wrap. Bake them directly from the freezer, but it will take a few extra minutes to cook.
- How long do the pies last? Baked pies can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

Cabbage pies are an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. With every bite, you will enjoy the crispy texture of the dough and the delicious filling of cabbage. Experiment with various ingredients, customize the recipe, and make it your favorite! Enjoy your meal!