Savory Pork and Cabbage Bake

Savory Pork and Cabbage Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender pork neck with the crispiness of cabbage and the creamy goodness of mozzarella cheese. This recipe brings together a delightful medley of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your familyโ€™s appetite. The carbonated water helps keep the meat juicy while the sweet paprika adds depth to the overall taste. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish can be easily prepared in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Letโ€™s dive into the recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pcs cabbage (medium-sized)
  • 30 ml (1 fl oz) vegetable oil
  • 1.3 kg (3 lb) pork neck, cut into chunks
  • 5 g (0.2 oz) salt (to taste)
  • 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 g (0.2 oz) sweet paprika
  • 300 ml (10 fl oz) carbonated water
  • 2 g (0.1 oz) black pepper (for seasoning)
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella, shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

  1. Wash and Cut the Cabbage:
    Rinse the cabbage under cold water. Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into thin strips.

Step 2: Brown the Pork Neck

  1. Heat the Oil:
    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 30 ml of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season and Sear the Meat:
    Season the pork neck chunks with 5 g salt and 5 g black pepper. Add the meat to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.

Step 3: Sautรฉ the Onion

  1. Add Chopped Onion:
    Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Add Sweet Paprika:
    Stir in 5 g sweet paprika and mix well, allowing it to cook for an additional minute to release its flavors.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Cabbage

  1. Deglaze with Carbonated Water:
    Pour in 300 ml of carbonated water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor to your dish.
  2. Incorporate Cabbage:
    Add the sliced cabbage on top of the pork and onion mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the cabbage is coated with the juices.

Step 5: Layer the Tomatoes and Cheese

  1. Add Tomatoes:
    Layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the cabbage mixture.
  2. Top with Mozzarella:
    Sprinkle 100 g of shredded mozzarella evenly over the tomatoes. This will melt beautifully and create a deliciously cheesy topping.

Step 6: Cook the Dish

  1. Cover and Simmer:
    Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the cabbage is cooked down.
  2. Check Seasoning:
    Taste the dish towards the end of cooking. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

Cooking Tips:

  • Choosing Pork Neck:
    Pork neck is a great choice for this recipe due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. If unavailable, you can substitute with pork shoulder.
  • Enhancing Flavors:
    Feel free to add additional spices such as thyme, rosemary, or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    Serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration:
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezing:
    This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)


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FAQs:

  1. Can I use different vegetables?
    Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the dishโ€™s nutritional profile.
  2. Is it necessary to use carbonated water?
    The carbonated water helps to tenderize the meat and adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute with regular water or broth if needed.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes! This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated for an easy meal throughout the week.
  4. What can I serve with this dish?
    This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
  5. Can I make this vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Substitute the pork with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Conclusion:

Savory Pork and Cabbage Bake is a deliciously comforting dish that is not only easy to prepare but also filled with robust flavors. The combination of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mozzarella creates a meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether youโ€™re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite!