Rice and Cabbage Italiano

Rice and Cabbage Italiano Recipe - A Delicious Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice and Cabbage Italiano is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of bacon, cabbage, and rice with Italian seasonings. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

History

This recipe is a twist on traditional Italian cabbage and rice dishes, incorporating bacon for added flavor and richness. It is a popular dish in many Italian households and is often served as a side dish or main course.

Ingredients

6 slices of diced bacon
1 cup of chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce
1 cup of chicken broth
0.5 small cabbage, shredded (about 1 qt (946 ml))
0.5 tsp of crushed oregano leaves
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper
3 cups of cooked rice
grated romano or parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Saute bacon, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until the bacon is crisp. Pour off the excess fat. Return 2 tbsp of fat to the skillet. Add tomato sauce, broth, cabbage, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. Stir in rice and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a healthier alternative.
Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a nice crunch to the dish.

- Shred the cabbage finely to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice and Cabbage Italiano as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the bacon, onion, and garlic until they are golden brown and fragrant.

- Simmer the cabbage in the tomato sauce and broth until it is tender-crisp.

- Stir in the cooked rice and let it absorb the flavors of the other ingredients before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pancetta or ham instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the cabbage for kale or spinach for a variation on this dish.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bacon, onion, and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the rest of the dish. This will save you time and make meal prep easier.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice and Cabbage Italiano pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice and Cabbage Italiano contains approximately 320 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice and cabbage providing energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The bacon in this recipe adds a rich and savory flavor, but also contributes to the fat content. Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

The bacon in this dish is a good source of protein, providing about 8 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage is a great source of vitamins K and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. This dish also contains garlic, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Rice and Cabbage Italiano is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option for any occasion.

Summary

Rice and Cabbage Italiano is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the heartiness of rice and cabbage. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal. Enjoy it with your family and friends for a comforting and satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Rice and Cabbage Italiano like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful Italian cook who had a knack for creating the most delicious dishes using simple ingredients.

As we chatted over cups of espresso, Maria suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a worn, stained recipe card in hand. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she handed me the card and said, "Here, Lucia, you must try this recipe. It's a family favorite and I know you will love it."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list and instructions, noting the simplicity of the dish. Rice, cabbage, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and a few herbs and spices - it sounded like a comforting and hearty meal that would be perfect for a Sunday dinner. Maria explained that the dish was a traditional Italian recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations.

I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen, so I thanked Maria profusely and promised to make it for my family that very night. As I drove home, I couldn't shake the excitement of trying out a new recipe that held so much history and tradition.

That evening, I set to work in my own kitchen, chopping onions, mincing garlic, and sautéing cabbage until it was tender and caramelized. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, reminding me of the cozy kitchens of my childhood where my own grandmother would spend hours cooking up delicious meals for our big family.

I added the rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings to the pot, letting everything simmer together until the flavors melded perfectly. The final result was a steaming pot of Rice and Cabbage Italiano that looked and smelled absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As my family gathered around the table that night, I proudly served up heaping bowls of the dish, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The first bite was pure heaven - the tender rice, sweet cabbage, and savory tomato sauce created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

My family devoured the dish with gusto, each of them declaring it a new favorite. My son even asked for seconds, which was a rare occurrence in our house. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our family meal rotation, just as it had been for Maria's family for generations.

Over the years, I have made Rice and Cabbage Italiano countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become fast friends after tasting the dish.

Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this simple yet delicious recipe. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, with the hope that you will continue the tradition of cooking and sharing meals with those you love. May this recipe bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me over the years. Buon appetito!