Irresistible Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe for Cozy Days

Turkish cabbage stew is like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with vibrant flavors and the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen. Picture tender cabbage leaves mingling with succulent pieces of meat, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth that makes your taste buds dance with delight.

I remember the first time I tried making this dish; I was convinced I’d entered a culinary battleground. My kitchen was a mess, but as the stew bubbled away, the tantalizing scent pulled my family in like moths to a flame. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always gets rave reviews; everyone loves digging into its hearty goodness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Cabbage: Choose fresh heads without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.

• Ground Beef or Lamb: Opt for high-quality meat; it truly enhances the stew’s richness.

• Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully in the stew.

• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavor profile; minced garlic releases fantastic aromas.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient yet provide vibrant acidity that balances the dish.

• Spices (Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt): Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your heat preference.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor during sautéing.

• Vegetable Broth or Water: Broth adds extra flavor; water works if you’re in a pinch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Turkish Cabbage Stew

Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces while preparing other ingredients like onions and garlic. This assembly line will save you time later.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.

Add Meat: Stir in ground beef or lamb into the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon while mixing it with aromatic onions and garlic.

Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the meat mixture. Stir well until everything is coated and starts to stick slightly to the pot’s bottom—this adds great flavor!

Add Cabbage and Tomatoes: Gently fold in chopped cabbage along with diced tomatoes. The cabbage will wilt down significantly as it cooks.

Pour Broth In: Pour vegetable broth over the mixture until everything is submerged. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently.

Season and Cook: Season generously with paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Enjoy making this Turkish cabbage stew—it’s not only simple but also incredibly rewarding! Each spoonful brings warmth that feels like home-cooked love on chilly nights.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant; then add cabbage for tender perfection before incorporating tomatoes and spices.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground meat for lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian delight. A sprinkle of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.

It reminds me of that time my friend Ali invited me over for dinner, and I was blown away by his mom’s version of Turkish cabbage stew. The aroma wafted through the house, and I thought I’d died and gone to culinary heaven!

FAQ

What can I serve with Turkish cabbage stew?

Serve it with crusty bread or rice to soak up all those delicious juices.

Can I freeze Turkish cabbage stew?

Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months without losing flavor.

How spicy is Turkish cabbage stew?

The spice level varies; adjust chili pepper according to your taste preference for heat.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Turkish Cabbage Stew

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Turkish Cabbage Stew is a comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, savory meat, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection. This hearty stew is perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings, offering a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart. Easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, it promises to impress without the fuss.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping the cabbage and dicing the onions and garlic.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the ground meat to the pot; cook until browned while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
4. Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat mixture.
5. Fold in the chopped cabbage and canned tomatoes, allowing them to mix into the stew.
6. Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt; adjust flavors as needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg