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Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Turkish Cabbage Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage cooked with spiced ground beef or lamb in a rich tomato and beef broth base. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this stew embodies classic Turkish flavors with a simple, hearty preparation in a Dutch oven. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it highlights the wonderful texture of cabbage combined with warm, savory seasonings.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb

Vegetables

  • 1 large red onion, very finely chopped
  • 1 medium cabbage head, thick stem removed, washed and roughly chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter. Melt the butter completely before proceeding.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped red onion to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Brown the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the onions. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is nicely browned and caramelized.
  4. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, cumin, dried coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices and tomato paste to release their flavors.
  5. Add Cabbage and Broth: Incorporate the roughly chopped cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  6. Simmer the Stew: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty and delicious Turkish cabbage stew warm.

Notes

  • Use white cabbage for a milder, sweeter sweetness; green cabbage adds a slightly peppery flavor. Avoid other cabbage varieties as they don’t hold up well in liquid cooking.
  • Make sure to wash cabbage thoroughly, as dirt may hide between layers.
  • Cook on low heat to enable the cabbage to absorb the spices and broth flavors fully.
  • Avoid adding too much liquid because cabbage releases a lot of moisture during cooking.
  • Properly brown the ground meat for a caramelized crust that enhances flavor.
  • Do not omit the spice blend of cumin, coriander, and paprika, as they define the stew’s signature taste.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/turkish-cabbage-stew-recipe/