Krpice sa zeljem (Mexican Style)

Ingredients

While the original Croatian dish of Krpice sa zeljem is typically made with cabbage, pasta, and simple seasonings, our Mexican adaptation adds a variety of Mexican spices and ingredients to elevate the flavors. We also incorporate traditional Mexican cooking techniques to create a unique fusion dish that combines the best of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Krpice sa zeljem, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta 250g (8.8 oz) pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 small carrot, grated 1 small carrot, grated
• 1/2 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced 1/2 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the grated carrot and sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over the cabbage mixture. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Stir in the heavy cream and cooked pasta. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is heated through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Mexican-inspired cabbage pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy in the dish.
• Cabbage — Thinly slice the cabbage to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve with a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican-inspired cabbage pasta as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh green salad or warm tortillas.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.