
Instructions:
- Prep the cabbage:
- Remove the core, then finely shred the cabbage.
- Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, toss, and let sit 15 minutes to draw out water.
- Squeeze out excess liquid with your hands.
- Caramelize the cabbage & onion:
- Heat lard or oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, sauté until golden (about 5 minutes).
- Add shredded cabbage and cook, stirring often, until it softens and turns a deep golden-brown (20–30 minutes).
- Season with pepper and, if using, a pinch of sugar to enhance caramelization.
- Cook the noodles:
- Meanwhile, boil egg noodles in salted water until just tender. Drain well.
- Combine:
- Toss the drained noodles with the caramelized cabbage mixture until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot as a main dish or as a side to pork or chicken.
- Some Hungarians add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra pepper on top.
Tips for Perfect Káposztás Tészta:
- Low & slow cooking is key for the cabbage — the longer you let it caramelize, the richer and sweeter the flavor.
- Use Hungarian-style broad egg noodles if you can find them, but any wide egg noodles will work.
- This dish is naturally meatless, making it a great budget-friendly vegetarian option.
Would you like me to include a variation with crispy bacon or smoked sausage (a very popular twist in Hungary)?