Cabbage Stew with Meat or Vegetarian
White cabbage plays an important role in Russian cuisine. And it's no wonder. Cabbage resists low temperatures and can be stored in frost-free places for months. White cabbage is low in calories, high in fiber and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It has been shown to strengthen the immune system and to protect against cancer. In Russian cuisine, cabbage is often served with meat. Vegetarians can mix cabbage, for example, with onions, carrots or mushrooms. Cabbage can also be served with potatoes.
| 1 kg (=1 medium head) | cabbage |
| 1 bunch | green (spring) onions |
| 1/2 bunch | parsley |
| 1-2 | garlic cloves |
| 2 tsp | caraway |
| 8 tbsp | vegetable oil (sunflower oil is especially popular in Russia) |
| salt, pepper | |
| For the meat: | |
| 400 g (=14 oz) | meat (beef, pork or chicken) |
| 4 tbsp | tomato paste |
| 1 | bay leaf |
| salt, pepper | |
| oil or butter |
Directions
-
- Grate cabbage or cut into thin stripes. Heat oil in a pan or skillet and sear cabbage shortly over high heat. Add caraway, season to taste with salt and pepper, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
-
- Cut meat into stripes. Heat oil or butter in a pan. Stir-fry meat over high heat until golden brown.
-
- Finely chop onions, add to the meat and sear shortly. Blend together tomato paste and app. 1/2 cup of hot water. Pour over the meat. Add one bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, cover and simmer on low heat. Add some hot water if needed.
-
- Finely chop green (spring) onions, parsley and garlic cloves. Add to the cabbage and simmer for about 5 minutes.
-
- Serve meat and cabbage stew separately or mix together in a pan and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use enough oil to make cabbage stew really tasty. Oil is also essential for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
- Add some vinegar or lemon juice to prevent cabbage from getting too soft.
- Vegetarians can enjoy cabbage stew without meat. Just sear onions and combine with cabbage. Add tomato paste to taste.
- Cabbage stew can also be served with a simple sauce. The sauce is especially good for the vegetarian version. Crush 3-4 garlic cloves and mix with app. 1 cup of sour cream or yoghurt. Serve separately.
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