Savory Serbian Cabbage Stew

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 250g (8.8 oz) smoked sausages, sliced 250g (8.8 oz) smoked sausages, sliced
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the pork and beef to the pot, and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Layer half of the blanched cabbage leaves on top of the meat mixture in the pot.
6. 6.
   Arrange half of the sliced smoked sausages on top of the cabbage leaves.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage leaves and smoked sausages.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Savory Serbian Cabbage Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to blanch the cabbage leaves to soften them before layering them in the stew. This will ensure a tender texture.
• Smoked sausages — Opt for high-quality smoked sausages to enhance the smoky flavor of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew during the cooking process.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it in advance and reheating it for a delicious meal.
• Feel free to customize the meat selection according to your preference. Lamb or chicken can be used as alternatives or in combination with pork and beef.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be frozen and enjoyed later for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Savory Serbian Cabbage Stew is best served hot, accompanied by crusty bread or boiled potatoes. The stew can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

Presentation advice

To present this dish beautifully, ladle the stew into individual bowls, making sure to showcase the layers of cabbage and meat. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.