Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe

Introduction

This Turkish Cabbage Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage with spiced ground meat in a rich tomato broth. It’s a hearty meal perfect for cool evenings and offers a delicious taste of traditional Turkish home cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large red onion, very finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium cabbage head, thick stem removed, washed, and roughly chopped
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until soft.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until nicely browned, breaking it down with a wooden spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, cumin, dried coriander, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped cabbage and beef broth to the pot.
6. Step 6: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier stew, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
• You can substitute ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
• Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the stew in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the cabbage is tender.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

This traditional recipe includes ground meat, but you can make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms or lentils instead of meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 449 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Turkish Cabbage Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage simmered with ground beef or lamb, aromatic spices, and rich tomato paste. Perfect for a hearty meal, it combines the warmth of paprika and cumin with the subtle kick of red pepper flakes, delivering a traditional Anatolian flavor profile in a simple, one-pot preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Butter

• 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
• 1 teaspoon dried coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids

• 2 cups beef broth

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Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter to create a flavorful base for the stew.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped red onion to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the stew’s sweetness.
3. Brown the Meat: Incorporate the ground beef or lamb into the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, cumin, dried coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to let the spices release their flavors and meld with the meat.
5. Add Cabbage and Broth: Mix in the roughly chopped cabbage and pour the beef broth over the ingredients, combining everything evenly.
6. Simmer the Stew: Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat if necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the stew cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and the flavors fully develop.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and modify seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using ground lamb instead of beef adds a richer, earthier flavor typical of Turkish cuisine.
• For a spicier stew, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure the beef broth used is gluten-free as some brands may contain additives.
• This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish

Keywords: Turkish cabbage stew, ground beef cabbage recipe, hearty cabbage stew, one pot stew, Turkish comfort food