Romanian-style Braised Cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 200g (7 oz) smoked bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) smoked bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the shredded cabbage, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the cabbage cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   The cabbage is ready when it becomes soft and caramelized.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a good quality smoked bacon for the best flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for added flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the braised cabbage with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful meal.
• This dish pairs well with grilled sausages or roasted chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian-style braised cabbage as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or polenta. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the braised cabbage with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic ceramic dish to enhance the traditional feel of the dish.