Rybna z Kapustoi ta Hrybamy (Fish with Cabbage and Mushrooms)
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender fish fillets baked or stewed with sauerkraut, mushrooms, and onions. It's a comforting meal that highlights the use of simple, wholesome ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as cod, pollock, or pike-perch, cut into serving pieces)
- 500 g Sauerkraut(rinsed and squeezed dry if too sour)
- 300 g Mushrooms(sliced (e.g., white mushrooms, oyster mushrooms))
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 1 large Carrots(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or sunflower oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 200 ml Water or fish broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Don't brown the onions too much, just soften them. - 2
Add the grated carrots and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown.
⏱️ 10 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure mushrooms are cooked down to develop flavor. - 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add the sauerkraut, water or broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning. If sauerkraut is very sour, you might need less salt. - 5
While the cabbage mixture simmers, season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and lightly sear the fish fillets on both sides for about 2 minutes per side, just to create a light crust.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Searing the fish first adds flavor and helps it hold its shape. - 6
Arrange the seared fish fillets on top of the simmering cabbage and mushroom mixture in the skillet. Cover and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is cooked through but not overcooked, which can make it dry. - 7
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving platter.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use butter instead of oil for sautéing.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
- ✓This dish can also be prepared in a Dutch oven in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes after assembling.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root to the sautéed vegetables.
- Use different types of fish, such as salmon or trout, for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the vegetables for added depth.