Easy Cabbage Goulash

Find how to make an easy cabbage goulash that is hearty and full of flavors. It is a versatile recipe that lets you experiment with the vegetables and type of meat you will use in it. This cabbage goulash is an ideal recipe if you’re looking for a way to include more vegetables into your diet.

Are you looking for a hearty, comforting dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further because I have just the recipe for you: this easy goulash with pork, cabbage, and bacon!

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it’s no surprise why it has become so popular all around the world. With its warm and comforting flavors, goulash has become a staple in many households, especially during the colder months.

In this recipe, we’re putting a slight twist on the traditional goulash by adding cabbage to the mix. Not only does it add an extra layer of flavor, but it also provides a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily make substitutions or additions based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you could swap out the pork for beef or chicken or add in some extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!

This dish perfectly combines savory pork, crispy bacon, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices like paprika, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, and cumin.

And let’s not forget about the star of the show: the humble cabbage, which brings a subtle sweetness to the dish.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this dish is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need something to warm you up from the inside out.

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients.

When selecting your cabbage, look for one that is firm and heavy for its size. As for the pork, choose a cut that is tender and juicy, such as pork shoulder or pork loin.

When it comes to spices, don’t be afraid to experiment!

You can adjust the amount of paprika, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, and cumin to your liking, depending on how spicy or mild you want the dish to be. Also, feel free to experiment by adding other spices that you prefer.

I personally love using a generous amount of paprika to give the goulash a rich, smoky flavor.

So, without further ado, let’s get cooking! I can already smell the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

This Cabbage Goulash recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let’s get started!

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

• It’s comforting and delicious: With its hearty and savory flavors, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or a dish to share with friends and family, Cabbage Goulash is sure to satisfy you.
• Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep work. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
• As I mentioned earlier, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want to add extra veggies or swap out the protein, you can easily make this recipe your own and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
• Not only is Cabbage Goulash delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and fiber. Cabbage is a great source of vitamins and minerals, while pork and bacon provide protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or bringing a dish to a potluck, Cabbage Goulash is sure to be a hit. Its comforting flavors and satisfying texture are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

• Frying Oil. You can use any type of oil you prefer for frying.
• Onions. I used white onions, but you can substitute them with any other type of onions you have on hand, or you can even replace the onions with leek.
• Garlic. I recommend you use fresh garlic because it combines wonderfully with cabbage. If you don’t have garlic at hand, you can use dry granulated garlic.
• Bacon.
• Pork. Choose a part of fatty meat. Like the pork shoulder. If we will pick a piece of fatty meat, the cabbage goulash will be juicier and will have a stronger flavor in the end.
• Spices. I used a mix of bay leaf, salt, black pepper, thyme, cumin, and paprika. If you prefer spicy food, you may consider also adding some chili pepper.
• Tomatoes. I used cherry tomatoes because they are sweeter and more flavorful. But you could use any other type of tomatoes you have on hand. In case if you don’t have fresh tomatoes at hand, you could replace them with canned tomatoes.
• Cabbage.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Pro Tip: To avoid burning the ingredients, I recommend you use a “stewpot” with a thick bottom and walls.

After this, cut the onion and garlic. Pour a little bit of oil into the stewpot and cook for about 2-3 minutes on low to medium heat until the onion softens a little.

After this, add the sliced bacon. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Now add the pieces of meat to the pan. Mix them well.

At this stage, you need to set the heat to medium to high and cook the meat until the pores in the meat are sealed. In other words, until the meat turns white on the outside.

After you’ve cooked the meat, turn the heat back down to medium-low.

After this, add the spices. I used a mix of bay leaf, salt, black pepper, thyme, cumin, and paprika.

Mix everything well and cook on low to medium heat for about 5 minutes.

After that, cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces and mix all the ingredients well.

Leave the tomatoes to cook for about 10 minutes until they will soften.

Now it’s time to add the cabbage. You can slice it or use a mandoline slicer.

Mix well all the ingredients from the stewpot. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 35-40 minutes.

In the end, you should get a cooked but slightly crunchy cabbage (aldente.)

For added freshness and color to the plate, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or coriander.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve near some boiled potatoes if you’re looking for a complete deal. As an alternative, you may include the potatoes into the wok and cook all the ingredients together.

Top with sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of your Cabbage Goulash is a delicious addition that helps to balance out the savory flavors.

Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and flavor to your dish.

Enjoy with a glass of red wine or beer. The rich and comforting flavors of Cabbage Goulash pair perfectly with a glass of your favorite red wine.

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

• Don’t overcook the cabbage: While cabbage is a delicious and nutritious addition to this dish, it can quickly become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to add it to the pot towards the end of the cooking process and cook just until it’s tender.
• Use high-quality ingredients: As with any recipe, the quality of the ingredients you use can make a big difference in the final result. For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality pork, bacon, and tomatoes, and use fresh herbs and spices whenever possible.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste: The spice mix used in this recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like things spicy, add more paprika. If you prefer a milder flavor, cut back on the spices or use sweet paprika instead of smoked.
• Let it rest before serving: Once your Cabbage Goulash is finished cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and ensure that the dish is at the perfect temperature.
• If you like the taste of the garlic, in the end, you can add a few minced garlic cloves.
• Serve with crusty bread: Cabbage Goulash is delicious on its own, but it’s even better served with some crusty bread on the side. Use the bread to soak up all the delicious juices and flavors, and enjoy!

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

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