Cabbage with mushrooms and vegetable sauce baked

Braised Cabbage with Mushrooms and Vegetable Sauce in the Oven

On days when we seek culinary inspiration, especially during fasting periods, it is important to diversify our meals. This recipe for braised cabbage with mushrooms and vegetable sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s how to prepare it step by step to achieve a perfect, flavorful result.

Preparation Time:
- Soaking time: 1-2 hours
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Total: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 medium pickled cabbages
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 jar (400 g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 jar (300 g) vegetable sauce (recipe for the sauce is included below)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons oil for mushrooms
- 2 sprigs of dried thyme
- A few slices of bell pepper

Brief History
Braised cabbage is a traditional dish, appreciated for its flavor and the versatility of the ingredients used. Its origins are deeply rooted in culinary culture, often associated with family meals, where simple ingredients transform into delicious dishes. In this recipe, mushrooms and vegetable sauce add extra flavor and consistency, making each serving an explosion of taste.

Preparing the Cabbage
1. Soaking the Cabbage: Start by soaking the pickled cabbage. Place it in cold water and change the water from time to time to reduce the saltiness. This step is essential for achieving a balanced taste. The soaking time depends on your preferences, but 1-2 hours is sufficient.

2. Preparing the Vegetables: After soaking the cabbage, drain the water well and chop it finely. Peel the onions and chop them finely. Peel the carrots and cut them into small cubes for even cooking.

3. Cooking the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. This step will enhance the flavors of the vegetables.

4. Adding the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes to release its juices. Then, add enough water to cover the vegetables.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for 30-40 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Combining the Ingredients
1. Transferring to the Baking Dish: After the cabbage has cooked, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the cabbage. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as desired.

2. Preparing the Mushrooms: In a bowl, mix the mushrooms with a little salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of oil. This mixture will add a rich flavor to the cabbage.

3. Assembling the Dish: Place the mushrooms on top of the cabbage and pour the vegetable sauce (see the recipe below) over everything. Spread the sauce evenly with a spatula. Add a few sprigs of thyme and slices of bell pepper for extra flavor.

Vegetable Sauce
1. Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 sweet pepper
- 1 onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sunflower oil

2. Preparation: Chop all the vegetables and blend them in a food processor. Cook them in a pan with a little oil until the liquid evaporates, then season with salt and pepper.

Baking
1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

2. Finishing the Dish: After an hour, remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Let the cabbage bake for another 20 minutes, slightly increasing the temperature. This step will create a lightly browned crust on top, adding a delicious texture.

Serving
Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Braised cabbage with mushrooms pairs perfectly with warm polenta and hot peppers for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your meal!

Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Make sure the cabbage is well-soaked; otherwise, the dish will be too salty. You can replace the mushrooms with other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to vary the recipe.
- Seasoning: Play around with the spices! Add herbs like oregano or basil for a different note.
- Serving: You can add a spoonful of sour cream on top when serving for a creamy contrast.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while mushrooms add protein and B vitamins. A 250 g serving has about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the added ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cabbage? Yes, but the taste will be different. Pickled cabbage provides a natural acidity that enhances the flavor.
2. What other side dishes pair well? Polenta is an excellent choice, but a slice of toasted rye bread would also be wonderful.
3. How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container and can be reheated in the oven or in a pan.

I encourage you to try this delicious recipe and let yourself be carried away by the flavor. Happy cooking!