Kucheryavaya Kapusta
Curly Cabbage
Kucheryavaya Kapusta, meaning 'curly cabbage' in Belarusian, is a rustic and flavorful dish that highlights the simple yet satisfying nature of Belarusian cuisine. This dish typically involves slow-braised cabbage with pork or other meats, often seasoned with caraway seeds and dill, creating a comforting and aromatic meal. It's a testament to using seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large head Savoy cabbage(about 1.5 kg, thinly sliced)
- 300 g Pork belly(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 250 ml Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste freshly ground Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until browned and some fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the thinly sliced Savoy cabbage to the pot. It might seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly.
💡 Tip: If your pot is not large enough, you can add the cabbage in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. - 4
Stir in the caraway seeds and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 5
Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid is enough to create steam for braising but not so much that it drowns the cabbage. - 6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it braise for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the pork is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cabbage should be soft and slightly sweet. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped dill. This dish is often served as a main course or as a hearty side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a smoked pork belly.
- ✓If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth, adding sautéed mushrooms for depth.
- ✓The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors will deepen.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced apple during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hint of sweetness.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added texture and flavor.