Fried Cabbage and Bacon Pasta (Haluski)

Recipe taken from Cook Like Czechs.

Ingredients

- 2 pounds fresh cabbage green or white
- 4 ounces smoked bacon whole or sliced
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter / sunflower oil)
- 1 medium onion peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 9 ounces bow tie pasta (or wide egg noodles)

Instructions

Remove the outer wilted leaves from 2 pounds fresh cabbage, halve it and remove the tough stem. Cut the cabbage into small pieces.

Put the cabbage in a large colander and scald it with about two quarts of boiling water.

Heat 2 Tablespoons lard in a large frying pan over medium-high and throw in 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Let it turn lightly golden, don't forget to stir! Add 1 teaspoon caraway seeds to the caramelized onion and leave them to infuse for half a minute. Then add 4 ounces smoked bacon, roughly sliced, and fry briefly until crispy.

Add the scalded cabbage, season with 2 teaspoons salt, and stir. Fry for about five minutes; keep stirring. Pour half a ladle of water over the cabbage, and turn the heat down to a minimum. Cover the pot and let it saute slowly for 30 minutes. Stir from time to time.

Meanwhile, cook 9 ounces bow tie pasta in a large pot of water according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta to stop the cooking process.

Season the sauteed cabbage with 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar, and add salt to taste. Finally, stir in the cooked noodles, increase the heat and fry everything while stirring for about five minutes.

Serve the fried cabbage with noodles warm as a dinner. Sprinkle the dish on the plate with 2 Tablespoons parsley leaves and 4 Tablespoons Parmesan or other cheese of your choice.

Comments: This was absolutely delicious for how simple it is! I didn't have carroway when I made this, so I read that cumin is an acceptable substitute, and I also just used a whole package of bacon because - why not use more bacon?

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