| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 28g | 10g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 35g | 0.75g |
Why I Love Czech Pork with Cabbage
Every now and then, a dish comes into my life that fundamentally shifts my understanding of good food. Today, that dish is a classic yet often overlooked Czech recipe, Pork with Cabbage. The perfection of it lies in its simplicity – pork and cabbage, cooked slowly until flavors converge into a savory, aromatic stew. This, my friends, culminates into a comforting, richly satisfying meal that I believe should be celebrated more.
The Genesis of my Pork with Cabbage Love Affair
As a proud New Yorker, the charm of the culinary melting pot we call home undeniably shapes my approach to food. Every cuisine I encounter, every recipe I develop tries to echo this rich tapestry, and the Pork with Cabbage sensation was no different. Its savory goodness was introduced to me by Chef Kroka, a celebrated chef, and a proponent of traditional Czech cuisine, and I have been hooked ever since.
The Impeccable Combination of Pork and Cabbage
The magic of Pork with Cabbage is its delectable simplicity cooked to perfection. Similar to the homely charm of a classic Pigs in a Blanket dish or the bounty of a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage stew, this Czech dish manages to elevate humble cabbage and straightforward pork into a harmony of flavors. A pot of this bubbling on the stove promises a heartwarming meal, with nostalgic notes of home and family. It also forms an excellent side to a piece of crusty bread, a mound of mashed potatoes or even a simple salad for a balanced meal.
In summary, friends, the allure of this Pork with Cabbage recipe lies in its humble origins but dramatic flavor profile. It’s my firm belief that part of its charm is the fact that it’s both a standalone dish and a fabulous pairing partner to several other dishes. This dish truly embodies often overlooked traditional flavors that resoundingly deserve a moment back in the culinary spotlight. Hope you give it a shot and enjoy the ride!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of pork, cut into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 large or 2 small heads of cabbage, diced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Cut your pork into small chunks. Finely chop your large onion and garlic. Dice your cabbage into small pieces and set it aside for later.
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chunks into the skillet and cook until they are brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seed and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Stir and sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
Step Four
Next, pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it begins simmering, decrease the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together.
Step Five
Add your diced cabbage to the skillet. Also mix in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients and coat the cabbage in the broth mixture. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step Six
Finally, decrease the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream. Keep stirring until the sour cream is completely incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the sour cream. After that, your Pork with Cabbage is ready to be served!
