Sauerkraut with nuts

Sour Cabbage with Nuts – A Delicacy Full of Flavors and Nutrients

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 2 hours (for hydrating the raisins)
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

With a deep-rooted history in culinary traditions, sour cabbage is not just a side dish, but a true treasure of health. Packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, pickled cabbage is renowned for its beneficial properties on digestion and the immune system. Today, I invite you to discover a simple and delicious recipe for sour cabbage with nuts, enriched with sophisticated flavors that will give it a unique touch.

Ingredients:

- 300 g pickled cabbage in brine
- ½ cup nuts soaked overnight and then ground
- 1 bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons raisins soaked for about 2 hours
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil

Ingredient details:

- Pickled cabbage: Choose a quality cabbage with crispy leaves and a balanced taste. Pickled cabbage provides a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the nuts and raisins.
- Nuts: Soak them before use to enhance their flavor and make them easier to digest. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Bell pepper: Adds a crunchy note and vibrant color to the dish. You can use red, yellow, or green peppers, depending on your preference.
- Raisins: They provide a sweet contrast and a pleasant texture, perfectly complementing the sour taste of the cabbage.
- Olive oil: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin oil, as it will add a rich flavor to the dish.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by slicing the pickled cabbage into thin strips. Make sure it is not too salty, so it does not overpower the other flavors. If it is too salty, you can rinse the cabbage under cold water to reduce the intensity.

2. Hydrating the nuts: Leave the nuts in water overnight. This step not only improves their texture but also aids digestion. After hydrating, drain and finely grind them.

3. Hydrating the raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them hydrate for about 2 hours. This step will make the raisins juicier and easier to chew.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pickled cabbage, ground nuts, chopped bell pepper, hydrated raisins, and olive oil. Add the dried basil, which will provide a pleasant aroma to the dish.

5. Mixing: Mix all the ingredients well with a wooden spoon, ensuring that each strip of cabbage is well coated with olive oil and the flavors of the other ingredients.

6. Resting the dish: Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If you have time, you can refrigerate the salad for a few hours or even overnight to intensify the tastes.

Serving suggestions:

This sour cabbage with nuts is perfect as a side dish for meat or fish dishes. It can also be served as a healthy salad alongside a slice of whole grain bread. I recommend pairing it with a glass of dry white wine or green tea to complete the tasting experience.

Tips and variations:

- You can add other ingredients, such as black olives or apple slices for added sweetness.
- Instead of basil, you can experiment with other herbs, such as oregano or dill.
- For a spicy version, add some chili flakes or a little hot sauce.

Nutritional information:

This cabbage salad with nuts is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, providing a good source of protein, healthy fatty acids, and antioxidants. Regular consumption of pickled cabbage can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Of course! However, the taste will be different, and the salad will not have the same acidity.

2. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.

3. How can I store the salad?
You can store the salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

4. What other recipes can be combined with this salad?
It pairs excellently with grilled dishes, such as chicken or fish, as well as with vegetable stews or soups.

I invite you to experiment with this recipe of sour cabbage with nuts, enjoy its flavor, and make it your own culinary specialty! Bon appétit!