Croatian Kale Savoy Cabbage Stew Kelj Cuspajz Food

CROATIAN KALE (SAVOY CABBAGE) STEW (KELJ CUSPAJZ)

Steps:

• Wash the savoy cabbage and cut it in 1 inch pieces.
• Preheat the water and when it boils put the savoy cabbage in it and leave it boil for one minute.
• During this operation prepare this: put lard in a pot, heat it and add finely sliced garlic and bacon (pancetta), brown flour in lard (but not too brown).
• Add ground paprika and just few drops of cold water to make "zafrig" (a kind of "sauce veloutè").
• Take out savoy cabbage with hollow spoon, add sliced potato in small cubes and water you have cooked kale in it.
• Season with salt and pepper and cook until potato is soft (10-20 minutes).
• Serve as a side dish to steaks, sausages, dried smoked ham etc.

CHESTNUT AND BACON RISOTTO WITH SAVOY CABBAGE

Steps:

• Pour the chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium saucepan.
• Add the bacon, onion and celery, cooking gently until the onion is translucent and the bacon is cooked.
• Add the rice and stir so that the rice becomes coated in the oil.
• Add the vermouth and stir until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
• Now add a ladleful of stock and continue to stir until all the liquid has been absorbed.
• Continue this process for 15 minutes, adding stock by the ladleful.
• Then add the chestnuts and cabbage and continue to cook, adding stock by the ladleful until all the rice is creamy but still has bite - about another 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the butter.
• Divide between serving bowls and pass the Parmesan cheese.

SAVOY CABBAGE WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cook bacon in 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 3 minutes.
• Use slotted spoon to set bacon aside; place on paper towelling.
• Drain off all but 2 tablespoons fat.
• Add garlic, crushed red pepper, and leeks to skillet.
• Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Add cabbage, chicken stock, white wine and beans.
• Gently toss to combine.
• Simmer until cabbage is just beginning to wilt, about 3 minutes.
• Crumble bacon.
• Toss cooked mixture with bacon, sage, chives or scallions and pepper.
• Adjust seasoning.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

SIMPLE SAVOY CABBAGE

Steps:

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil on med high.
• Add the garlic and peppers and saute for 1 minute.
• Add the shredded cabbage and stir fry for 5 mins, until starting to wilt.
• Remove from heat and add salt to taste.
• Serve.

NORTH CROATIAN KOHLRABI STEW (KOLORABA CUSPAJZ)

Steps:

• Peel kohlrabi like you peel apples. Remove leaves (don't throw away baby leaves, you can slice them and put into stew later) and cut kohlrabi like you cut potato for French fry potato, but just little bit thicker.
• Melt lard (or butter) in a pot, add flour and sauté it 1 minute. Add water and make creamy liquid. Add sliced kohlrabi and add water to cover the vegetable. Add salt and pepper and baby leaves if you want.
• Cook about 30 minutes or until kohlrabi softens.
• At the end add sour cream, stir well and serve.