Imagine a pot filled with the comforting aroma of simmering cabbage stew, where the earthy scent of vegetables mingles with warming spices.
This hearty European classic is incredibly easy to prepare, offering a simple yet indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
As the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes meld together, their flavors transform into a rich, savory delight.
Let’s bring this cozy dish to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the cabbage stew, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe and assembling all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Chop the cabbage, slice the carrots, and peel and dice the potatoes.
- Cooking Steps:
- Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Minute 5-10: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Minute 10-15: Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
- Minute 15-20: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Minute 20-25: Add paprika, salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaf.
- Minute 25-55: Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
- Resting and Finishing Touches:
- Minute 55-65: Remove the bay leaf and allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes.
- Minute 65: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serving:
- Serve the cabbage stew with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Add paprika, salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaf.
Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the stew with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy contrast to the hearty stew.
- Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, for an extra savory touch.
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad for a revitalizing balance to the warm stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the stew with roasted vegetables for an added depth of flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cabbage stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze cabbage stew, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat cabbage stew, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, to retain moisture.
Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any season.
Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a favorite in many households.
To maximize the taste, consider using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Additionally, experimenting with spices and herbs can personalize the dish to your liking.
Pairing the stew with a slice of crusty bread enhances the meal, providing a satisfying crunch.
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, especially if you’re using store-bought broth.
This stew isn’t only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy your homemade cabbage stew, and feel free to share it with family and friends for a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Broth With Chicken Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’ll add a richer, heartier flavor to the dish. Make certain you adjust seasoning since chicken broth can be saltier. This swap enhances the umami profile, offering depth to your meal.
Is It Possible to Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
You can make this stew in a slow cooker. Sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients to the cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method deepens flavors, making a rich, hearty dish.
What Can I Add for Extra Protein in the Stew?
You can boost protein by adding chickpeas or white beans for a creamy texture. Alternatively, toss in diced tofu or seitan for a hearty bite. Each option blends seamlessly, enhancing the stew’s savory profile.
How Can I Make This Stew Spicy?
Add heat by incorporating chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Sauté them with the onions. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick, ensuring it complements the stew’s earthy flavors.
Can I Use Red Cabbage Instead of Green Cabbage?
You can substitute red cabbage for green. It adds a vibrant color and slightly sweeter flavor. Guarantee even chopping for consistent cooking. Be aware that red cabbage may tint the broth, altering the stew’s visual appeal.
Cabbage Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add paprika, salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
- Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
