Krpice sa Zeljem (Croatian Pasta with Cabbage)
A recipe for Krpice sa Zeljem (Croatian Pasta with Cabbage)! Handmade pasta squares are tossed with caramelized cabbage and onion for a comforting side or light meal.
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
Krpice (Pasta squares):
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- Pinch salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 milliliters) water
Cabbage:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil or lard
- 1 medium onion peeled and diced
- 2 pounds (907 grams) green or white cabbage core removed, cut into 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) squares
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pasta water
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
To make the Krpice (Pasta Squares):
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix in the eggs and vegetable oil, then slowly add enough water just to bring the dough together.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Add only enough flour to be able to handle the dough. If it is still too dry, add a little more water.
- Cover with plastic or transfer to a bowl, cover, and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- On lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch (3 millimeters) thick, flouring as needed to keep from sticking. If there is not enough counter space, separate the dough into 2 pieces and roll each piece into a thin sheet.
- Cut the thin sheet of dough into 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Separate the pieces and arrange in a single layer on flour-dusted, parchment lined baking sheet.
- Allow to rest, uncovered, at room temperature for about 30 minutes to dry before boiling.
To prepare the cabbage:
- In a large pan, drizzle the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
- Reduce heat to medium low and add the cabbage squares.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the top and cook the cabbage, stirring often, until softened and starting to caramelize, 20-25 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the prepared pasta to the boiling water and cook until they rise to the surface and are al dente, just tender.
- Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of the pasta water into the cabbage mixture, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the tender pasta and add to the cabbage. Stir gently to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve the Krpice sa Zeljem immediately as a side or light meal with parsley for garnish.