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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
Cabbage and pork are staple ingredients in Romanian cuisine, and when combined, they create an irresistible, hearty dish. This Romanian Sweet Cabbage with Pork is a match made in heaven, perfect for cold winter months. It’s flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy to make — not to mention budget-friendly!
This dish, known as Mancare de Varza cu Carne de Porc, is one of the simplest yet most delicious ways to enjoy fresh cabbage. Unlike pickled cabbage recipes, this version uses fresh cabbage, giving it a naturally sweet taste — hence the name "sweet cabbage."
🌟 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.
