
Contents
Romanian Sweet Cabbage With Pork Recipe – Mancare de Varza cu Carne de Porc
A traditional Romanian comfort food, this sweet cabbage and pork dish is a perfect winter warmer. It’s rich, hearty, full of flavor, and easy to make with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, shredded
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 carrot (optional), grated
- 1 red pepper (optional), chopped
- 500 g pork belly (or ribs, chops, or a mix), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can 400g) chopped tomatoes
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (to rub the cabbage)
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the pork pieces and sear them until browned on all sides.
- Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it cook until the alcohol evaporates.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, a little water if needed, and the bay leaf.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the meat is tender.
- While the pork cooks, shred the cabbage and place it in a bowl. Rub it with salt and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Once the pork is tender, add the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped red pepper.
- Sprinkle in the caraway seeds and dried thyme. Stir well, cover the pan, and let it simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with polenta or rustic bread, and top with sour cream if desired.
Notes

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make — minimal prep and simple steps.
- Budget-friendly — uses common, affordable ingredients.
- Full of flavor — slow-simmered pork and cabbage with aromatic herbs.
- Perfect for meal prep — stores well and tastes even better the next day!
🌟 Tips & Notes
- If you have a red pepper, definitely use it! It adds extra sweetness and color.
- Not a fan of pork belly? Try pork ribs or leaner cuts like pork chops.
- Don’t skip rubbing the cabbage with salt — it helps soften it and enhances flavor.
📃 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Store Romanian Sweet Cabbage with Pork?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge after it has cooled down (within 2 hours of cooking).How Long Does It Last?
Properly stored in the fridge, it will last up to 3 days.How to Reheat It?
- Oven Method (best option): Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water, and cover with foil. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
🍗 Serving Suggestions
- Polenta (Mamaliga) – a classic Romanian side dish.
- Rustic Bread – perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Sour Cream – a creamy and tangy topping that complements the dish beautifully.