Cabbage stew

Here’s a simple, hearty cabbage stew recipe with clear step-by-step directions. This version is flexible—you can keep it vegetarian or add meat if you prefer.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium cabbage (chopped)
• 2 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Optional:

• 1 cup cooked beans (kidney or white beans)
• 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage (for a meat version)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep ingredients

1. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice carrots, dice potatoes, chop onion, and mince garlic.

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Step 2: Sauté the base

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add vegetables

1. Stir in carrots and potatoes.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Step 4: Add cabbage

1. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot.
2. Stir well and cook for 5–7 minutes until it begins to soften.

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Step 5: Build the stew

1. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth.
2. Add paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together.

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Step 6: Simmer

1. Bring the stew to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

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Step 7: Optional additions

• If using cooked beans, stir them in during the last 10 minutes.
• If adding meat, brown it separately first, then add it when you add the broth.

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Step 8: Finish and serve

1. Remove the bay leaf.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
4. Serve hot with bread or rice.

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Tips

• The stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end for brightness.
• You can make it spicy by adding chili flakes.