Easy 3-Ingredients Stewed (Braised) Cabbage with Pork
This easy 3-ingredients stewed (braised) cabbage with pork recipe is an Eastern European classic family favorite that is both healthy and hearty. This flavorful braised cabbage with pork makes the ultimate comfort food. The pork, cabbage, tomato sauce, and spices are first seared and then stewed until the meat and cabbage are tender and melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork cubed
- 1 head cabbage chopped
- 1.5 cups tomato sauce or marinara
- 0.5 cup oil vegetable
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cube the pork into bite-sized pieces (approx. 1” cubes).
- In a Dutch oven or a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides.
- While the pork is cooking, chop the cabbage. You can do it by hand or I also like to use a mandoline slicer.
- Pro tip: Add the sliced cabbage to a plastic grocery bag. Hold the top of the bag tightly and gently "punch" the bag a couple of times while rotating the bag. This will help soften the cabbage just a bit and it will ensure that it fits in the pot. (see pictures above).
- Add the sliced cabbage on top of the pork.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Then add the tomato sauce, the seasonings, half a cup of vegetable oil, and water. Cover it and cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes until the cabbage has cooked down and softened.
- Taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Pro Tip: If you are using a large Dutch Oven, you can now transfer it to the oven.
- In a large baking dish, transfer the cabbage and the meat and bake it for 20-30 minutes uncovered or until the cabbage begins to brown. At this point, most of the liquid will be evaporated.
- Serve and enjoy!