Slatki Kupus (Sweet Cabbage Stew)
A comforting and savory stew made with fresh cabbage, meat (often pork or chicken), and a flavorful broth seasoned with paprika and other spices. 'Slatki' means sweet, referring to the use of fresh cabbage rather than pickled.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Fresh Cabbage(medium head, coarsely chopped)
- 400 g Pork shoulder or ribs(cut into chunks)
- 150 g Smoked bacon(sliced)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 50 g Rice
- 2 tbsp Ground red pepper (sweet paprika)
- 2 tsp Vegeta seasoning
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 5 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 1 L Water
- 2 pieces Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt(adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the pork chunks and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the coarsely chopped cabbage to the pot in layers, alternating with the pork. Sprinkle the rice, ground red pepper, Vegeta seasoning, salt, and black pepper between the layers.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and vinegar. Add the bay leaves.
- 5
Pour in the water, ensuring it covers most of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the cabbage and pork are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Whisk in the 1 tbsp of flour and 1 tbsp of ground red pepper. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly, then carefully pour this mixture into the stew to thicken it.
- 7
Stir gently to combine, cover, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the cabbage is cut into large pieces to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- ✓If using chicken, add it earlier in the cooking process to ensure it's tender.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add smoked pork ribs or bacon.
🔄 Variations
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables.