Home-style Stewed Cabbage

Belarusian Home-style Stewed Cabbage Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Belarus | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Home-style stewed cabbage is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines tender cabbage with savory beef, carrots, and onions, all simmered together in a rich tomato-based sauce. With a touch of rice for added texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Stewed cabbage has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a simple and economical way to prepare cabbage, which has long been a staple in many diets around the world. This home-style version of stewed cabbage has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 kg cabbage
300 g minced pork or beef
1 carrot
1 onion
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp rice
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp fat
salt

How to prepare

Cut the cabbage into thin strips and cook until partially cooked, adding 200 to 300 g of stock per 1 kg of cabbage. Also add fat and sautéed tomato paste, stirring occasionally.
Next, add the minced meat, rice, onions, and carrots, all cut into thin strips. Continue cooking until everything is fully cooked.
Season the cabbage with fried flour, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add in extra vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Add in some smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the cabbage into thin strips to ensure even cooking.

- Sautéing the tomato paste before adding it to the cabbage will help to deepen the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the minced meat, rice, onions, and carrots together will allow the flavors to meld and create a deliciously savory filling for the cabbage.

- Seasoning the cabbage with fried flour, sugar, and salt will add depth and richness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stewed cabbage with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the cabbage in stock will help to infuse it with flavor and keep it tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option.

- Use vegetable oil in place of fat for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stewed cabbage with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour.

Summary

This home-style stewed cabbage is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family meal.

Summary

Home-style stewed cabbage is a classic dish that is both comforting and nutritious. With a rich tomato-based sauce and a savory filling of beef, carrots, and onions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a simple recipe for home-style stewed cabbage that I found in an old cookbook at a flea market. The picture of the dish looked so comforting and delicious, I knew I had to try it out.

I had never made stewed cabbage before, but I was always up for a culinary challenge. I purchased the cookbook and hurried home to gather the ingredients. As I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, the kitchen filled with the wonderful aroma of cabbage, onions, and spices. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When I finally sat down to enjoy a bowl of the stewed cabbage, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The cabbage was tender and flavorful, the broth was rich and savory, and the overall dish was so comforting and satisfying. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the home-style stewed cabbage countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with different spices and seasonings. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first time I discovered the recipe and how it has become a beloved dish in my family.

As I reflect on my journey with this recipe, I am reminded of all the other recipes I have learned over the years. Growing up, my mother and grandmother were both fantastic cooks, and I spent many hours watching them work their magic in the kitchen. I learned so much from them, from basic cooking techniques to more complex recipes.

One of my favorite memories from my childhood is making homemade pasta with my grandmother. She would let me help her knead the dough, roll it out, and cut it into perfect little noodles. We would then cook the pasta and toss it with a rich tomato sauce that she had been simmering on the stove for hours. The taste of that fresh pasta was unlike anything I had ever had before, and it sparked my love for cooking and trying new recipes.

As I grew older, I continued to expand my culinary skills. I took cooking classes, read cookbooks, and experimented with different ingredients and flavors. I would often visit farmers markets and specialty stores to find unique ingredients to incorporate into my dishes. I loved the challenge of trying new recipes and techniques, and the joy of sharing my creations with friends and family.

One day, I was at a dinner party and tried a dish that blew me away. It was a Moroccan tagine with tender lamb, sweet dates, and fragrant spices. I was so impressed by the flavors and textures of the dish that I had to ask the host for the recipe. She graciously shared it with me, and I immediately went home to recreate it in my own kitchen.

As I made the tagine, I was transported back to that dinner party, surrounded by good friends and delicious food. The aromas of the lamb and spices filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When I finally sat down to eat, I was amazed by how closely my version of the tagine matched the one I had tried at the party. It was a true testament to the power of recipes and the joy of sharing them with others.

And so, my journey with recipes continues. From the simple home-style stewed cabbage to the complex Moroccan tagine, each recipe I learn and master adds a new layer to my culinary repertoire. I am grateful for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years, and I am excited to continue exploring new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of my beloved stewed cabbage, I am reminded of the joy and satisfaction that cooking brings me. The process of creating delicious dishes from scratch, using fresh ingredients and tried-and-true recipes, is a source of great comfort and fulfillment for me. And I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of cooking with others, passing down the recipes and techniques that have brought me so much joy over the years.