Today, I want to share a weekend recipe that is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a cast-iron skillet and a little bit of time.

This dish perfectly blends Romanian flavors with delicious spices like coriander and cumin, making it an excellent choice for those looking for something simple, flavorful, and super easy to make.

So, let’s dive into this recipe and see what it’s all about!

Instructions

• Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
• Place the empty cast-iron skillet in the oven for 10 minutes to get it hot.
• Prepare the Cabbage: Slice your cabbage into 4 wedges.

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• Remove the skillet from the oven, add olive oil, and arrange the cabbage wedges cut-side down.

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• Sprinkle with salt and return to the oven for 20 minutes until the cabbage begins to char.
• Flip the wedges and roast for another 20 minutes.

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• Make the Sauce and Meatballs: In a bowl, mix tomato purée, coriander, cumin, garlic, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add 100ml water and stir.

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• Take the sausage meat out of its casing and form small meatballs (2-3 cm in diameter). Arrange them between the cabbage wedges.

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• Pour the spiced tomato sauce over the cabbage and meatballs.
• Final Baking Step: Return the skillet to the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes.

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• You want the meatballs to be cooked through and the cabbage to bedeeply caramelized.
• Serving: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking.
• Serve the charred cabbage wedges and meatballs over a bed of sour cream.
• Garnish with fresh dill and sliced chili peppers. Drizzle some olive oil for a glossy look, and serve hot.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

This dish is inspired by Romanian cuisine, where cabbage plays a major role in traditional recipes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and Varza à la Cluj (a deconstructed sarmale dish).

So, my idea was to take the sweet cabbage version of our sarmale and put a new spin on it—without rice but with added spices for a deeper flavor.

It goes without saying that the charred roasted cabbage brings out its natural sweetness while keeping a satisfying bite, making it perfect as a charred cabbage steak alternative.

On the other hand, the meatballs, made from spiced sausage, add richness and depth, while the spiced tomato sauce ties everything together with warmth and complexity.

Nutritionally, this dish is well-balanced:

• Cabbage is packed with fiber and antioxidants.
• Sausage provides a good source of protein and healthy fats.
• Sour cream and dill add probiotics and freshness.

Thus, in my humble opinion, this is easily one of the best charred cabbage recipes for a comforting yet exciting meal.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Before we wrap up, let’s answer some common questions about this recipe!

Q: What should I eat with charred cabbage?

A: I like to serve this as it is. But you can serve this dish with crunchy smashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a side of crusty bread.

Q: How to make charred cabbage?

A: For the perfect charred cabbage steak, use high heat, a cast-iron skillet, and roast it until golden and caramelized.

Q: Can I use another type of sausage?

A: Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with chorizo, merguez, or a plant-based alternative.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this dish a try and enjoy every bite of this comforting, flavorful meal. If you do, don’t forget to tag us in your posts—we’d love to see your creations!

Also, check out the full video recipe on YouTube and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious ideas. Happy cooking!

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