Hvidkål med Kommen

Hvidkål med Kommen Recipe - Vegetarian Danish Cabbage Dish

Region / culture: Denmark | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hvidkål med Kommen, also known as Danish Cabbage with Caraway, is a traditional Danish dish that is simple yet flavorful. This dish features shredded cabbage mixed with eggs, butter, milk, cream, and caraway seeds, creating a creamy and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

History

Hvidkål med Kommen has been a staple in Danish cuisine for generations. The combination of cabbage and caraway seeds is a classic pairing that dates back to traditional Danish cooking. This dish is often served during the colder months, as cabbage is a hearty and versatile vegetable that is readily available during the winter season.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) shredded cabbage
2 eggs
2 tbsp butter
0.5 cup milk
0.5 cup cream
0.5 tsp salt
white pepper — to taste
1 tsp caraway seed

How to prepare

Cover the cabbage with cold water.
Chill for 2 hours and then drain.
Cover the cabbage with boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain well.
Combine the remaining ingredients with the cabbage, mixing lightly.
Bake the mixture in a buttered baking dish for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 350ºF, or until the top is browned.

Variations

For a lighter version of Hvidkål med Kommen, you can use low-fat milk and cream or substitute the cream with Greek yogurt. You can also add diced bacon or ham for added flavor and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the cabbage is cooked to perfection, be sure to drain it well after simmering in boiling water. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Additionally, mixing the ingredients lightly will help maintain the texture of the cabbage while ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Hvidkål med Kommen can be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or hearty stews. It pairs well with traditional Danish dishes such as frikadeller (meatballs) or flæskesteg (roast pork).

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cabbage mixture in a buttered baking dish helps to caramelize the top and create a crispy texture. This cooking technique adds depth of flavor to the dish and enhances the overall presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have caraway seeds on hand, you can substitute them with fennel seeds or dill seeds for a similar flavor profile. You can also use green cabbage or savoy cabbage in place of white cabbage for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Hvidkål med Kommen can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

To elevate the presentation of Hvidkål med Kommen, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. You can also garnish the dish with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Hvidkål med Kommen pairs well with a variety of main courses, including roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or seared fish. For a complete Danish meal, serve this dish alongside rye bread, pickled vegetables, and a cold beer or aquavit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Hvidkål med Kommen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hvidkål med Kommen contains approximately 250 calories. This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy and satisfying side dish option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hvidkål med Kommen contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the cabbage, which is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in fiber.

Fats

Each serving of Hvidkål med Kommen contains approximately 15 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the butter, milk, and cream, which add richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Hvidkål med Kommen contains approximately 8 grams of protein. The protein in this dish comes from the eggs, which are a good source of essential amino acids.

Vitamins and minerals

Hvidkål med Kommen is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune function, while eggs provide vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Hvidkål med Kommen contains dairy (butter, milk, cream) and eggs. It may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Hvidkål med Kommen is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded side dish option.

Summary

Hvidkål med Kommen is a classic Danish dish that is both comforting and delicious. With its creamy texture, aromatic caraway seeds, and hearty cabbage, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy this traditional recipe as a side dish or as a main course for a taste of Danish cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during a trip to Denmark with my husband. We were exploring the picturesque countryside, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful country. One day, we stumbled upon a charming little farmhouse nestled in the rolling hills. As we approached the house, we were greeted by a lovely elderly woman who invited us in for tea.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on steaming cups of tea, she regaled us with stories of her life and her love for cooking. She spoke of traditional Danish dishes that had been passed down through generations, each one more delicious than the last. One dish, in particular, caught my attention - Hvidkål med Kommen. She described it as a simple yet comforting dish made with cabbage and caraway seeds, a staple in Danish cuisine.

Intrigued by her description, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and began to recite the ingredients and instructions in her melodic Danish accent. I listened intently, taking mental notes and committing every detail to memory. I could hardly contain my excitement as I imagined the aroma of cabbage and caraway seeds wafting through my own kitchen.

When we returned home from our trip, I wasted no time in recreating the dish. I gathered the ingredients - a head of cabbage, caraway seeds, butter, salt, and pepper - and set to work. As the cabbage simmered on the stove, filling the air with its savory scent, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe; it was a piece of Denmark, a connection to a place and a people that had touched my heart.

When the dish was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family. Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, savoring the flavors of the cabbage and caraway seeds. It was a hit, a new favorite that would soon become a regular feature on our dinner table.

Over the years, I have made Hvidkål med Kommen countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this Danish dish to the next generation. And every time I make it, I think back to that sunny afternoon in Denmark, sitting at the kitchen table of a kind-hearted woman who opened her home and her recipe book to us.

As I write this story now, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of my own kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped me as a cook and a person. The recipe for Hvidkål med Kommen is more than just a collection of ingredients; it is a reminder of the connections we make through food, the stories we share, and the love that binds us together.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal, why not give Hvidkål med Kommen a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have your own story to tell about how you discovered this delightful Danish dish.