As often, dinnertime has arrived and I have no idea what I’m going to eat. It has been pretty hot today so I do not want to slave over a hot stove.
I do need my veggies and I know I have cabbage so the first thought is to make some slaw but I have no carrots and my typical slaw needs at least something other than cabbage. There are apples but that is just not enough.
Next thought is hot and sour cabbage. I have onions, garlic, and chile flake of course plus vinegar in abundance. A plan is coming together. With some of the slow cooked pork chops with onion gravy (AKA Smothered Pork Chops) and a slice of this morning’s focaccia it will do the trick. Of course, it will be ugly.
First step is to dice a slice of onion very fine and get it into the pan with some olive oil. Low flame so it doesn’t brown but gets well sweated. Once that is ready and set aside, into the pan with more olive oil and a good pinch of chile flake. While that is working, I take half of a pork chop and shred it into another pan. Gravy over the top and on a low flame to warm through.
A quarter of chopped cabbage into the hot pan with the chile flakes with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. High flame, I want a good sear with at least some scorch for flavor. Split a piece of focaccia and into the toaster to brown. Toss the cabbage and when close to ready add the chopped garlic and sweated onions.
Shake to mix and add a good splash of natural cider vinegar. Lower the heat and cover the pan to steam for a minute then lid off until almost all the vinegar has evaporated.
Take toasted focaccia and top with shredded pork and savory gravy. Add cabbage to plate and another Ugly meal is ready to eat. This time I use a knife to cut the open face sandwich so I have a clean hand to use the TV remote. It ain’t pretty but a pretty balanced meal overall. About 15 minutes start to finish.
Hot & Sour Cabbage with Shredded Pork on Toast
Please help me grow by sharing on social media.
