Bosanski Kupus sa Kiselim Mlijekom
A unique and comforting Bosnian dish featuring slow-cooked cabbage with a tangy yogurt sauce, often enriched with smoked meat. It's a testament to the resourceful use of dairy and preserved ingredients in Bosnian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Pickled cabbage (kiseli kupus)(rinsed and roughly chopped)
- 300 g Smoked beef or lamb (suvo meso)(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tsp Paprika (sweet)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Vegeta (optional)
- 3 tbsp Oil or lard
- 500 ml Plain yogurt
- 200 ml Water or broth(as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pickled cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and sourness. Squeeze out excess water and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the smoked meat pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to render some fat.
- 4
Add the chopped pickled cabbage to the pot. Stir in the paprika, black pepper, and Vegeta (if using). Mix well to coat the cabbage and meat with the spices.
- 5
Pour in about 200ml of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the meat is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if it looks too dry.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt with a tablespoon of flour until smooth. This will help thicken the sauce.
- 7
Once the cabbage is tender, gradually stir in the yogurt mixture into the pot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the yogurt doesn't curdle. Cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, traditionally with a side of crusty bread or cornbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The sourness of the pickled cabbage can vary. Taste it after rinsing and adjust the cooking time or add a pinch of sugar if it's too sour.
- ✓Using a mix of smoked beef and lamb adds depth of flavor.
- ✓Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature before adding it to the stew to prevent curdling.
🔄 Variations
- For a richer flavor, some recipes include a roux made with flour and oil/lard added at the end.
- A touch of tomato paste can be added with the paprika for a slight color and flavor variation.