This is my take on haluski, a traditional Polish dish made with pasta and cabbage – a perfect weeknight meal because it all comes together quickly. And it’s affordable (uh, cabbage!) that probably uses ingredients that you’ve got hidden away in the fridge and pantry. I’m not Polish, but this dish speaks to me and my eastern european roots. It’s gotta be the cabbage.
I love this dish for its simplicity and versatility. I had only a few slices of salami in the fridge so that’s what I used, but adding in bacon or ham or even some kielbasa would be delicious. You can easily make this vegetarian by leaving out the salami and substituting in some sautéed mushrooms. If you don’t have leeks, just use a regular yellow onion instead. See? Easy and delicious.
pasta with cabbage & leeks
This is a perfect, quick weeknight meal. If you don’t want to use meat, leave it out. I think some sautéed mushrooms would be lovely instead.250 g short pasta
1/2 t chicken stock concentrate (like Better Than Bullion) or 1/2 a bullion cube, optional
2 T butter
1 large leek
1/2 head of cabbage, roughly chopped or shredded
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices of salami (or ham or bacon or kielbasa), diced – optional
kosher salt & pepper, to tasteCook the pasta according to package directions. Just before the pasta is ready, reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water and mix in stock concentrate, if using. Otherwise, just reserve the water. Drain pasta and set aside.
Meanwhile, wash the leek really well to remove any grit. Slice into thin coins.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and add in the leek and cabbage along with the garlic and sauté until just wilted. Add the salami and 1/2 cup of the stock/pasta water, if using. Simmer for 10 minutes and then add in pasta. Toss a few times and taste to see if it needs salt (probably not) and pepper (most def!). Makes 2-3 servings.
Print This Recipe
This is exactly the kind of meal I eat when I’m tired and hungry and in need of vegetables. Cabbage is so underrated, and a dish like this really makes it shine!
Love cabbage. Wonder how it would work with Spanish chorizo pieces?
Thanks Eileen, together the cabbage and the pasta are great! Glad you approve 🙂
This would be great with chorizo, Cathy! Enjoy.
This looks perfect! Cabbage is so under-appreciated, I think. It get so silky and tasty with just a little bit of salt and butter! I love the sound of it with the leek and salty, smoky meat!
Yum Yum Yum – that’s my kinda pasta…
My m-i-l is Polish but I have never seen her make this dish before. Too bad because it looks great! I like quick meals like this that are big on taste. Leeks are a favourite of mine, especially as mellower alternative to onion. And I can totally see bacon and mushrooms also working in this. And finally hurray for rice pasta, as an alternative for me 🙂
Thanks Nicole, I love cabbage and feel it’s my duty to spread the love!
Thanks RMW 🙂
Joanne, maybe it’s Polish American and not a true Polish dish? I’m not sure, but it sure is delicious!