The traditional Bulgarian meat with fresh cabbage (Месо с прясно зеле) combines tender meat with perfectly cooked fresh cabbage, enhanced with paprika and aromatic herbs for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients (Serves four people)
- 600 grams of pork or beef (cut into cubes)
- 1 medium fresh cabbage (about 1.5 kg), chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 200 ml canned tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 500 ml water or broth (2 cups)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the Meat
Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the cubed pork or beef and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onions and sauté in the same pot until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage starts to soften.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine with Meat and Add Liquid
Return the browned meat to the pot with the cabbage and vegetables. Pour in the water or broth and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the dish simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked. If the dish looks too dry, you can add a bit more water during cooking.
Step 6: Serve
Once the meat and cabbage are tender and fully cooked, remove the bay leaf and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Meat Choice: Pork is the traditional choice for this dish, but beef can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.
- Chef’s Recommendation: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the dish for a smoky flavor. When serving, offer black pepper.
- Clay Pot Option: For an even more authentic experience, you can cook and serve the dish in a traditional Bulgarian clay pot (гювеч).
Serving Suggestions
This dish is often served with fresh crusty bread or a simple green salad like Shopska salad. For an extra Bulgarian touch, serve with a side of pickled vegetables – turshia (туршия).
Wine Matching
This hearty dish pairs well with a robust red wine, such as Bulgarian Mavrud or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich meat and savory cabbage.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe does not contain dairy products, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant people.
Storage Suggestions
- 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 before serving.
About Meat with Fresh Cabbage (Месо с прясно зеле)
Meat with fresh cabbage is a popular dish in Bulgaria, often enjoyed during the cooler months. The combination of tender meat and cabbage, cooked with spices, results in a comforting, hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Cabbage is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine, used in fresh and fermented forms, and this dish highlights its versatility.
Cultural Context
In Bulgaria, meat with fresh cabbage is a beloved comfort food traditionally prepared in homes nationwide. Cabbage, an affordable and widely available vegetable, has long been a staple in the Bulgarian diet. This dish is commonly cooked during autumn and winter, when fresh cabbage is abundant, and families gather around hearty meals to enjoy simple yet flavorful fare.