This traditional German recipe combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground meat with the tender texture of cabbage. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of spices and herbs brings out the rich flavors, making it a delightful comfort food.
Ingredients
- Cabbage Base:
- 1 cabbage head
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- Meat Mixture:
- 1 kg (2 lb) minced meat (hamburger meat)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 5 g (0.2 oz) sweet paprika
- 5 g (0.2 oz) nutmeg
- 5 g (0.2 oz) herbs of Provence
- 10 g (0.4 oz) garlic, minced
- Yogurt Sauce:
- 200 g (7.1 oz) Greek yogurt
- 10 g (0.4 oz) dill, chopped
- 10 g (0.4 oz) green onion, chopped
- 20 g (0.7 oz) tomato paste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into thick slices, about 1-inch thick.
- Place the cabbage slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the cabbage slices with 5 g (0.2 oz) of salt and 5 g (0.2 oz) of black pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, finely chopped onion, 5 g (0.2 oz) of salt, 5 g (0.2 oz) of black pepper, sweet paprika, nutmeg, herbs of Provence, and minced garlic.
- Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Form the meat mixture into patties that are roughly the same diameter as the cabbage slices.
- Place the meat patties on top of each cabbage slice.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- While the meat and cabbage are baking, prepare the yogurt sauce.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, chopped green onion, and tomato paste.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the meat and cabbage are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Serve each meat and cabbage stack with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce on top.
- Garnish with additional chopped dill or green onions if desired.
Cooking Notes
- For a more robust flavor, you can marinate the meat mixture in the refrigerator for an hour before forming the patties.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
Variations
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the tomato paste with a low-carb tomato sauce.
- Ensure the yogurt used is unsweetened and low in carbohydrates.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Make sure all spices and herbs are certified gluten-free.
- Use gluten-free tomato paste.
Vegan Version:
- Replace the minced meat with a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage and Meat
- Cabbage: Choose a fresh, firm cabbage for the best results. Avoid cabbage heads that have soft spots or are wilted.
- Minced Meat: You can use a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor. Ensure the meat is well-seasoned to complement the mild taste of the cabbage.
- Sauce: The yogurt sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also pairs well with other dishes such as grilled vegetables or as a dip for snacks.
This Meat and Cabbage recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a taste of traditional German cuisine. The savory meat patties, tender cabbage, and creamy yogurt sauce make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal and savor the rich heritage it brings to your table.
Enjoy your traditional German Meat and Cabbage dish!
