Romanian Slow Roasted Caramelized Cabbage Recipe
This traditional Romanian Slow Roasted Caramelized Cabbage recipe features a flavorful blend of fresh cabbage, sauerkraut, tomatoes, and aromatic spices that are slow cooked to perfection. The dish combines smoky paprika, savory herbs, and the natural sweetness of caramelized onions and garlic to create a rich and comforting side or main dish perfect for cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Romanian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- ½ head cabbage, sliced into thin strips
- 500 grams sauerkraut, well drained
- 7 medium sized tomatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 yellow onions, finely diced
- 8 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tablespoon red chilli pepper with seeds, sliced thinly
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon dried summer savory or substitute dried thyme
- 1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 handful fresh thyme or substitute dried thyme or more dried summer savory
Other Ingredients
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Begin by thinly slicing the half head of cabbage into strips and ensuring the sauerkraut is well drained. Dice the tomatoes, slice the carrot, finely dice the onions, and slice the garlic and red chili peppers thinly to prepare all ingredients for cooking.
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large roasting pan or oven-safe skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the diced onions, garlic, and sliced chili peppers. Sauté these aromatics gently until they soften and start to caramelize, releasing their rich flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: To the caramelized onions and garlic, add the sliced cabbage, drained sauerkraut, carrots, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried summer savory (or thyme), bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients with the aromatic base.
- Roast Slowly in Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the roasting pan with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the mixture slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow roasting helps the cabbage and other vegetables caramelize and meld flavors beautifully.
- Midway Stir and Adjust Seasoning: About halfway through roasting, remove the lid or foil carefully, stir the ingredients to prevent sticking, and check seasoning. Adjust salt or pepper if needed, then re-cover and continue slow roasting until vegetables are tender and richly caramelized.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh thyme or dried thyme/summer savory on top for a fragrant finish. Give a final gentle stir to incorporate the herbs. Serve this delicious Romanian caramelized cabbage dish warm as a hearty side or main dish accompaniment.
Notes
- Make sure to drain sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture which can interfere with caramelization.
- Slow roasting at a low temperature is key to develop deep caramelized flavors without burning the vegetables.
- You can substitute dried summer savory with thyme if unavailable for a slightly different herbal note.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course.
- Use fresh herbs at the end for brightness and aroma.
Keywords: Romanian caramelized cabbage, slow roasted cabbage, sauerkraut recipe, roasted cabbage side dish, smoky paprika cabbage