Bamberger Krautbraten (Cabbage, Bamberger Style)
Indulge in a hearty, German-inspired dish with this Bamberger Krautbraten recipe, where tender pork, savory ground beef, and a medley of fresh cabbage leaves come together in perfect harmony. This one-dish meal captures the essence of traditional European comfort food with a touch of rustic charm. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or preparing a comforting meal for yourself, this dish promises to deliver rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups pork (cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 pound bacon (sliced into strips)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by removing any outer, wilted leaves from the cabbage and cutting out the core. Carefully place the cabbage into a large pot of boiling water, allowing it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This process will help to soften the cabbage, making it easier to handle. After simmering, carefully remove the cabbage from the pot and let it drain thoroughly.
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Separate the Cabbage Leaves: Once the cabbage has cooled slightly, carefully peel off 12 large leaves and set them aside. Finely chop the remaining cabbage into small pieces for later use.
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Cook the Meat Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, pork cubes, and ground beef. Cook until the meats are lightly browned and the onions are tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the finely chopped cabbage, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Pour in the white wine, stirring to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often to ensure the flavors meld together.
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Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease an ovenproof dish with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Line the bottom of the dish with half of the reserved cabbage leaves, arranging them neatly.
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Layer the Mixture: Spoon the meat and cabbage mixture over the cabbage leaves in the dish. Cover the meat mixture with the remaining cabbage leaves, ensuring the filling is well covered.
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Add the Bacon: Cut the bacon strips in half and arrange them evenly on top of the cabbage leaves. The bacon will add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish as it bakes.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The dish is ready when the cabbage leaves are tender and the bacon is crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty Bamberger Krautbraten with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish. Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends, and let the traditional flavors of German cuisine bring a touch of warmth to your dining table.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 514.8
- Fat: 29.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.7 g
- Cholesterol: 134 mg
- Sodium: 564.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Sugar: 6.7 g
- Protein: 43.5 g
This recipe serves approximately 4 people and is ideal for a satisfying one-dish meal that brings the comforting tastes of traditional European cuisine to your table.
