Swedish Brunkål with Smoked Pork Belly

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized cabbage, shredded (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) 1 medium-sized cabbage, shredded (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 300g (10.5 oz) smoked pork belly, diced 300g (10.5 oz) smoked pork belly, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 500ml (2 cups) beef or vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced smoked pork belly and cook until it starts to brown and release its fat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle in the caraway seeds, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir until it is coated with the pork fat and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve the Brunkål hot with boiled or mashed potatoes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked pork belly — Make sure to dice the pork belly into small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavor throughout the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the smoked pork belly with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Brunkål hot in bowls, accompanied by boiled or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange a few cabbage leaves on top of the stew before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and showcases the star ingredient.