Preserving Boiled Cabbage with Meat: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this blog post, we will explore a delicious recipe for preserving boiled cabbage with meat in jars. This method not only allows you to enjoy a hearty meal but also ensures that you can store it for an extended period. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking process.

Ingredients Needed

• 700g of pork shoulder
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 carrots
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh cabbage
• Salt
• Organic dry spices (to taste)
• Ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 spoon of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar (or 2 tablespoons of 5% vinegar)
• Water

Preparation Steps

1. Cut the Meat: Begin by cutting the pork shoulder into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and carrots. Set them aside for cooking.
3. Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the heated oil. Fry them until they soften, which will enhance their flavors.
5. Chop the Cabbage: While the vegetables are frying, chop the fresh cabbage into smaller pieces.

Cooking Process

1. Combine Ingredients: Once the onion has softened, add the pork shoulder pieces to the pan. Fry everything together for a few minutes.
2. Add Spices: Season the mixture with salt, organic dry spices, ground pepper, and paprika. Stir in the tomato paste and continue to fry for about 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Jars: Begin filling the jars with the meat and cabbage mixture. Make sure to press the cabbage down as it will settle during cooking.
4. Add Vinegar: For each jar, add 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar (or 2 tablespoons of 5% vinegar). Wipe the top of the jar with vinegar to ensure cleanliness.
5. Fill with Water: Pour water into the jars, ensuring that the contents are submerged. This is crucial for preventing botulism, as the acidity from the vinegar helps create a safe environment.
6. Seal the Jars: Close the jars tightly with lids.

Cooking the Jars

1. Prepare for Cooking: Place the jars in a large pot and fill it with water up to the top of the lids.
2. Boil the Water: Wait for the water to boil. This step is essential for the preservation process.
3. Cooking Times:
   • If you plan to store the jars in the fridge and consume the meal within the next two weeks, cook for 60 minutes.
   • If you intend to keep the jars outside the fridge for a longer period, cook for 3 hours.

Final Steps

1. Remove the Jars: After the designated cooking time, carefully take the jars out of the pot.
2. Cooling Process: Allow the jars to cool. You will know they are sealed properly when the lids sink in.
3. Storage: Since we cooked for 3 hours, the jars can be stored for an extended period.

Conclusion

Preserving boiled cabbage with meat in jars is a practical and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal anytime. By following these steps, you can ensure that your food is safe and flavorful. If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to leave a comment or a like to show your appreciation!