Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hungary with this traditional dish of Cabbage and Noodles, known as Káposztás Tészta. Tender egg noodles are stir-fried with crisp cabbage and savory bacon, creating a satisfying meal that perfectly balances hearty and savory notes. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine, making it a beloved comfort food enjoyed by families for generations. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Hungarian Cabbage and Noodles is sure to delight your taste buds with its delicious blend of textures and tastes.

Here's a recipe for Hungarian Cabbage and Noodles (Káposztás Tészta):

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small head cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
• Hungarian paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

3- Add the vegetable oil to the pan with the bacon drippings. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4- Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle some Hungarian paprika for additional flavor. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp, about 8-10 minutes.

5- Once the cabbage is cooked, add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the cabbage and bacon mixture. If using, stir in the cooked bacon pieces.

6- If desired, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet for extra richness. Toss everything together until the butter is melted and evenly distributed.

7- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or additional bacon bits if desired.

Enjoy your Hungarian Cabbage and Noodles! This dish pairs well with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in Hungarian Cabbage and Noodles (per serving):

Egg noodles (2 oz dry):

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Provide carbohydrates for energy, along with some protein. They also contain essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

Bacon (1 slice, diced):

• Calories: 42
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 3.4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds flavor and richness to the dish. While bacon is high in fat and sodium, it also provides protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and selenium.

Cabbage (1 cup, shredded):

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g

benefits:Low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants. Cabbage is known to support digestive health, boost immunity, and promote heart health.

Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0.9g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Onions also provide vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:Known for its potent medicinal properties, garlic is rich in sulfur compounds that have been linked to improved heart health, immune function, and reduced risk of certain cancers.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:A source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease when used in moderation.

Butter (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 102
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 11.5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:While high in saturated fat, butter also contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, E, and K2. It adds richness and flavor to dishes but should be consumed in moderation.

Salt and pepper:

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:Used for seasoning and flavoring dishes, although they provide minimal nutritional benefits. Salt contains sodium, essential for electrolyte balance, while pepper contains piperine, which may aid digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredient quantities used. Additionally, these values do not include optional ingredients like Hungarian paprika or garnishes.