Growing up, Ma was typically the cook. But, there were a few dishes that Mom specifically cooked. One of the dishes was a tomato, cabbage, and sausage dish. I remember her making it often as a kid, and I guess I liked it. It's a sweet entree. Fairly cheap and quick to make.
Below recipe yields about 6-8 servings.
Prep time: 15 mins.
Cook time: 30 mins.
Instructions:
- One head of cabbage
- Five small tomatoes
- A meat type sausage or a meat substitute; but something that will stay together while cooking
- Small can of tomato paste
- Salt, sugar, pepper, and garlic
Cut cabbage into bite sizes pieces and place in pot with water. Cook until it starts to get soft. Then, drain. While that's cooking, cut tomatoes into small pieces. After the cabbage is drained, put tomatoes and tomato paste in. Add seasoning as desired. You can also add the meat or meat product. If it's already fully cooked - you're fine. If it's not, then cook before putting into the cabbage mix.
Cook a little bit more.
As I'm cooking in my kitchen in Chicago, I think about where Mom is now. She's recovering from a fall and will soon get out of physical rehab to go back to her assisted living apartment. I think that she'll probably never cook this dish again as her meals are prepared for her daily.
I wonder, does she miss not cooking? I know she misses her house. But, she's adapted.
Other signature dishes of Mom?
- Wrapped grape leaves
- Baklava
- Peanut brittle
- Taffy
