Varză a la Cluj

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups / 1.4 kg) 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups / 1.4 kg)
• 200g smoked bacon, diced 200g smoked bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Sour cream, for serving Sour cream, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. 3.
   Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and cook until it starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sweet paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Serve the Varză a la Cluj hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to shred the cabbage finely to ensure even cooking.
• Smoked bacon — Look for high-quality smoked bacon to add a rich smoky flavor to the stew.
• Dried thyme — If you prefer, you can use fresh thyme instead of dried. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of the bacon fat.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more paprika for a spicier flavor or increase the amount of garlic for extra aroma.
• Serve the Varză a la Cluj with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and delicious meal.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in some sour cream directly into the stew before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Varză a la Cluj hot in bowls, garnished with the crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of the stew before serving. The vibrant green herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.