Red Cabbage and Haluski
This recipe harkens back to my family's Slovak roots. A comforting meal on a cold winter's eve, it comes together surprisingly fast, even with homemade noodles. If you need to have meat with every meal, serve it up with some kielbasa. Serves 6.
1 onion, diced
3 TB butter
1/2 large head of cabbage (or 1 medium head), chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
A few good shakes of paprika
3 finely grated potatoes
2 tsp. salt
4 eggs, beaten
3 or more c. flour
Pinch of baking soda
2 TB melted butter
In skillet over medium-high heat, brown onion in butter. When browned, add salt, pepper, paprika and cabbage; simmer 5 minutes covered. Add a little water occasionally, as needed, until cabbage is tender.
Grate potatoes, add salt and beaten eggs. Add enough flour with baking soda to make a stiff dough. Drop by 1/2 teaspoon into boiling water. Boil about 8 minutes.* Drain and rinse with hot water. Add to prepared cabbage; stir well, heat through. Drizzle with melted butter.
*Cook's note: I like to send the batter through a potato ricer or spaetzle maker. It makes very quick work and the dumplings boil in less than half the time. You'll know they are ready when the rise and stay at the top of the water.