A delicious, easy-to-make Armenian/Italian-inspired dish bursting with flavor. You can substitute green beans or cauliflower - or whatever suits your tastes - for the red cabbage! Excellent served with a green salad and crusty bread.
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups coarsely chopped red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked cracked wheat
- 3 cups seasoned tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional)
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
PREPARATION:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, and saute the onions about 5 minutes, until tender. Stir in the garlic, then mix in the cabbage and red bell pepper. Continue to cook just until slightly tender.
Stir the cracked wheat into the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, and bring to a boil. If the liquid does not completely cover everything, add more water and tomato sauce. Season with dried basil, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves to serve.