Capù – Savory Pork and Cabbage Rolls
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Capù is a traditional Italian dish, featuring savory pork meatballs wrapped in blanched cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. With its hearty combination of tender pork, crispy pancetta, and the subtle bitterness of cabbage, this dish is a true comfort food. Perfect for a cozy dinner, Capù is packed with flavor and makes a delightful, filling meal. Let’s get started on making these irresistible rolls!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork (ground) | 400g |
| Savoy cabbage (leaves only) | 6 large leaves |
| Tomato pulp | 400g |
| Sweet pancetta (diced) | 100g |
| Breadcrumbs | 50g |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 30g |
| Red onions | 1 medium |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Start by finely chopping the fresh parsley. Set it aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chopped parsley and Grana Padano cheese. Use a fork to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well incorporated.
-
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Once they are tender but still intact, remove them from the boiling water and drain. Lay the leaves flat on a clean kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture.
-
Assemble the Capù:
- Take a cabbage leaf and cut a small incision in the center of the rib to make it easier to roll. Place a generous amount (about 90g) of the meat mixture at one edge of the cabbage leaf.
- Roll the leaf around the filling tightly, folding in the sides as you go to secure the mixture inside. Use kitchen twine to tie the rolls, ensuring they stay closed during cooking. Repeat this step for all the cabbage leaves.
-
Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Peel and slice the onion thinly. Heat a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion slices and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the onions are ready, pour in the tomato pulp and stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Cook the Capù:
- Gently place the cabbage rolls in the skillet with the tomato sauce. Make sure the rolls are fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and let the Capù simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes. Turn the rolls halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
-
Serve:
- Once the Capù are tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the rolls from the skillet and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Spoon the rich tomato sauce over the top and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Customization: If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to substitute some of the pork with beef or add a bit of pancetta to the filling for extra depth.
- Storage: Leftover Capù can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan before serving.
This Capù recipe brings together the classic flavors of Italian comfort food in an easy-to-follow and satisfying way. Enjoy this traditional dish on a chilly evening, and share the love with your family and friends. Buon appetito!
