Cabbage Stew

Liberian Cabbage Stew Recipe - A Flavorful and Comforting Dish

Region / culture: Liberia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cabbage stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of cabbage, chicken, beef, and ham to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Cabbage stew has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a simple and affordable dish that can be easily customized with different ingredients and seasonings.

Ingredients

1 medium-sized cabbage
1 small package of mixed chicken thighs and drumsticks
0.5 lb (227 g) of ham cubes
1 lb (454 g) of beef stew meat
3 - 4 tsp of Hunt's tomato paste
water
0.25 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of salt, if desired
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
vegetable oil
meat tenderizer

How to prepare

Cut off the stem of the cabbage head. Cut the cabbage into 4 quarters. Chop each quarter into large pieces.
Season the chicken with extra salt. In a separate bowl, season the beef with meat tenderizer, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the chicken and beef together until they turn golden brown or become firm. Transfer the contents to a bowl.
Reduce the heat to low. Pour oil into a pot to cook the cabbage. Add the cabbage and fry until it reaches a desired level of tenderness. Increase the temperature to moderate and stir constantly.
Add onions, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir and simmer for about 4 minutes. Stir at least once during this time.
Add the chicken, beef stew meat, and ham cubes. Stir and let it simmer for about 4 minutes. Stir at least once during this time.
Add water, ensuring that the water level is about an inch above the contents. Stir well.
Stir occasionally. When the contents begin to thicken, reduce the heat. Watch it carefully to prevent sticking at the bottom. Once the contents start sticking, turn off the heat. The dish is now ready to be served.

Variations

Add in some diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use different types of meat, such as pork or sausage, for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or cumin, to customize the taste of the stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken and beef well before cooking to enhance the flavors of the stew.

- Be sure to stir the stew regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or tomato paste as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cabbage stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this cabbage stew include frying the meat, simmering the cabbage, and stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ham cubes, you can substitute with bacon or sausage. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This cabbage stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this cabbage stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickles for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This cabbage stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of pickled vegetables. A glass of red wine or a cold beer also complements the flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this cabbage stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this cabbage stew contains approximately 350 calories. This hearty dish is a satisfying meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this cabbage stew come from the cabbage, tomato paste, and onions. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this cabbage stew come from the vegetable oil used for cooking, as well as the fats naturally present in the chicken, beef, and ham. Fats are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and providing energy for the body.

Proteins

The proteins in this cabbage stew come from the chicken, beef, and ham. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as supporting immune function.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The other ingredients in this stew also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal.

Alergens

This cabbage stew contains chicken, beef, and ham, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this cabbage stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cabbage stew is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a mix of chicken, beef, and ham, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cabbage Stew. It was a cold and dreary day in the middle of winter, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box looking for something warm and comforting to make for dinner. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered pieces of paper, I came across a small, faded recipe card with the words "Cabbage Stew" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from; it must have been from one of my many travels or perhaps from a friend who had shared it with me years ago. But as soon as I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try it. The combination of cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and savory spices seemed like the perfect hearty meal to warm me up on that chilly day.

I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing, stirring and simmering. The aromas that filled my tiny little kitchen were absolutely divine; the earthy scent of cabbage mingling with the sweet fragrance of carrots and the rich, savory aroma of the spices. It was like a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

As the stew bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother and grandmother, others were taught to me by friends or discovered during my travels. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a person or a place that was dear to me.

But there was something about this Cabbage Stew recipe that felt different. It was like discovering a hidden gem, a secret treasure that had been waiting for me to uncover it. The flavors were so simple yet so delicious, the textures so comforting and satisfying. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite more delicious than the last. The cabbage was tender and sweet, the potatoes creamy and comforting, the spices just the right amount of warmth and depth. It was like a hug in a bowl, a taste of home and comfort that I had been craving without even realizing it.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring each spoonful of the Cabbage Stew, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe was a true treasure, a gift from the culinary gods that had found its way into my hands. I knew that I would make it again and again, sharing it with friends and family, passing it down to future generations.

And so, that cold and dreary winter day became a turning point in my culinary journey. It was the day I stumbled upon the recipe for Cabbage Stew, a simple yet delicious dish that would forever hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen. And for that, I am truly grateful.