Hearty Cabbage and Minced Meat Stew

Hearty Cabbage and Minced Meat Stew

Ingredients:

• • 1 medium onion
  • 2 carrots

• • 8-10 cherry tomatoes or 1 regular tomato
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 450g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, pork, or mixed)

• • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

• • 450g (1 lb) cabbage
  • 250 ml (1 cup) tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. 1. Chop the onion: Peel and finely chop the medium onion.
   2. Slice the carrots: Peel and thinly slice the carrots into rounds or small sticks.
   3. Dice the tomatoes: If using cherry tomatoes, slice them in half. If using a regular tomato, dice it into small pieces.

1. Mince the garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
2. Shred the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, slice it in half, and thinly shred it.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Carrots

1. 1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

1. Cook the onion and carrots: Add the chopped onion and sliced carrots to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Cook the Minced Meat

1. 1. Add the garlic: Once the onions and carrots are soft, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
   2. Add the minced meat: Add the 450g of minced meat to the pan. Break the meat up with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, about 8-10 minutes.

1. Season the meat: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to add flavor to the meat mixture.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Cabbage

1. 1. Stir in the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes or diced regular tomato to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
   2. Add the cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing well with the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer

1. Pour in the tomato sauce: Add 250ml (1 cup) of tomato sauce to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
2. Simmer: Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will meld together during this time.

Step 6: Serve

1. 1. Taste and adjust seasoning: After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

1. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips:

• • Use a mix of meats: For richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and pork. This will add more depth to the stew.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a bit of heat, add 1/4 tsp of chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.

• Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Serve with sides: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a slice of rustic bread to soak up the sauce.

Storage:

• • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Protein: 20g

• • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 550mg