Krpice sa zeljem (New Mexican Style)

Ingredients

While the original Croatian dish of Krpice sa zeljem is typically a simple pasta dish with cabbage, our New Mexican adaptation adds a spicy kick to the recipe. We incorporate traditional New Mexican spices such as chili powder, cumin, and jalapenos to elevate the flavors and give it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Krpice sa zeljem, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) krpice pasta 250g (8.8 oz) krpice 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, seeded and finely chopped 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 small cabbage, thinly sliced 1/2 small cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the krpice 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 chopped jalapeno. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook until it starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Stir well to coat the cabbage evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked krpice pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the cabbage mixture.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve the spicy pasta with cabbage hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Krpice pasta — Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to maintain its texture in the final dish.
• Jalapeno — Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• 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 to the dish.
• Serve the spicy pasta with cabbage alongside a dollop of sour cream to balance the spiciness.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dish.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added color and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the spicy pasta with cabbage as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh green salad and warm corn tortillas.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil for an appetizing presentation.