Hello and welcome to RecipeArt! Today, I’m going to share a delightful Turkish dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly comforting: Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef Recipe. This hearty stew is a staple in Turkish cuisine, known for its rich, savory taste and the warmth it brings to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Table of Contents
Preparation Time:
Approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Recipe Yield:
This recipe typically yields 4 to 6 servings
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 275 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| – Saturated Fat | 2.6g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| – Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 29g |
**Remember these values may vary depending on your ingredients. You may visit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the actual nutritional information of your ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Cubed beef stew meat | 500g |
| Medium-sized cabbage(chopped into bite-sized pieces) | 1 |
| Finely chopped onion | 2 large |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt and black pepper | As per taste |
| Hot water | 4 cups |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they become translucent and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, cumin, and paprika. These spices will infuse the stew with that distinctive Turkish flavor. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Introduce the Cabbage: Now comes the star of the show – the cabbage! Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, and give it a good stir to coat it with the spices and aromatics. The cabbage will begin to wilt slightly.
- Pour in the Water: Carefully pour in the hot water, ensuring that it covers the cabbage and meat. Toss in the bay leaves, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and give it a final stir.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the cabbage has softened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. It’s traditionally enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt on the side. The combination of tender beef and tender cabbage in a savory broth is nothing short of comforting.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choosing the Right Cabbage: Opt for a firm, green cabbage for the best results. Savoy cabbage is an excellent choice if you can find it, but regular green cabbage works just as well.
- Be Patient: The key to a great Turkish cabbage stew is simmering it low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become wonderfully tender.
- Customize Your Heat: If you prefer a spicier stew, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Likewise, if you like it milder, you can reduce or omit them altogether.
- Leftovers Are Delicious: This stew only gets better with time, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Leftovers make for a fantastic next-day meal.
- Explore Garnishes: While this stew is delicious on its own, you can enhance the experience with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef is the epitome of comfort food, and I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. The combination of tender beef, flavorful spices, and hearty cabbage is a true winner. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a taste of Turkey in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!
If you decide to give this recipe a try or have any questions, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Printable Recipe:
Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- Cubed beef stew meat 500g
- Medium-sized cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces 1
- Finely chopped onion 2 large
- Minced garlic 3 cloves
- Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Paprika 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaves 2
- Olive oil 4 tablespoons
- Salt and black pepper As per taste
- Hot water 4 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they become translucent and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, cumin, and paprika. These spices will infuse the stew with that distinctive Turkish flavor. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Introduce the Cabbage: Now comes the star of the show – the cabbage! Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, and give it a good stir to coat it with the spices and aromatics. The cabbage will begin to wilt slightly.
- Pour in the Water: Carefully pour in the hot water, ensuring that it covers the cabbage and meat. Toss in the bay leaves, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and give it a final stir.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the cabbage has softened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your Turkish Cabbage Stew with Beef is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. It’s traditionally enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt on the side. The combination of tender beef and tender cabbage in a savory broth is nothing short of comforting.
Notes
• Be Patient: The key to a great Turkish cabbage stew is simmering it low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become wonderfully tender.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can use lamb, chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats may require different cooking times.
What type of cabbage is best for this stew?
A firm, green cabbage is ideal. Savoy cabbage works wonderfully, but standard green cabbage is a common choice. You can also experiment with red cabbage for a unique twist.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stew in advance and reheat it when needed. In fact, the flavors often deepen when the stew is reheated, making it even more delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
What can I serve with Turkish Cabbage Stew?
Traditionally, it’s served with crusty bread or pita. You can also pair it with rice or couscous for a heartier meal.
