Haluski (Buttery Cabbage and Noodles)

Published March 2, 2023

Haluski (Buttery Cabbage and Noodles)
Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
4(2,329)
Comments
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If you ask 100 people about haluski, there will be many different answers — and some might know it by another name. Simple to prepare, economical and more than the sum of its parts, haluski typically refers to a Central and Eastern European dish of sweet, buttery cabbage and onions tossed with dumplings or noodles. In the United States, haluski is often made with store-bought egg noodles, which are more convenient but no less lovable than homemade. The strands of caramelized cabbage become happily tangled in the noodle’s twirls. This version includes a final step of tossing the cooked cabbage and pasta with some pasta water and a final pat of butter, so each bite is as comforting as can be.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 6tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2pounds green cabbage (about 1 small), core chopped and leaves thinly sliced
  • 12ounces wide egg noodles
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

551 calories; 21 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 77 grams carbohydrates; 9 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 16 grams protein; 850 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large Dutch oven, melt 5 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 3 to 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy, 35 to 40 minutes. (Browning is welcome, but if you see burning, reduce the heat and add a tablespoon or two of water.)

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the cabbage is done, remove from heat and keep covered. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the noodles.

  3. Step 3

    Add the noodles, reserved pasta water and remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the cabbage. Stir over medium-high heat until the noodles are saucy and glossed with melted butter, 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
2,329 user ratings
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Comments

As a teen in the 1970’s at an event in the Catskills there was a dish on the menu called “kraut varnishkes”, aka Cabbage and Noodles. As an adult I cook it often, especially as a side with fish. I use olive oil instead of butter and add some ground fennel (many cabbage recipes use fennel or caraway seeds). In the fall, I make a slightly different version with red cabbage, red onion, fennel bulb and toss in a handful of dried cranberries. I deglaze with a little unsweetened apple juice.

My nana taught me how to make this the traditional Hungarian way. I would never use a dutch oven as the sides are too high and would keep in the steam. I use a very large stainless steel fry pan with about 1 inch sides and just add my cabbage in batches. Browning is not only welcome but necessary. Browning is where the rich flavor comes from in this dish. I go for a rich caramel color. Start with half the butter and add as needed for sticking. Fry noodles at high heat in mix for a chewy crisp.

This dish is a forgotten childhood memory. I’m a woman of color and my mother called it by its correct name that I thought she made up. It was a joy to make it again after so many years. I added nutmeg and shredded leftover pork roast just as she did.

I’ve made this a number of times and it’s become one of my favorites. I saw that someone suggested adding bacon and I started thinking about other possible additions. Had anyone tried adding tuna?

we always add a TON of lemon pepper at the end. love it

I do not have any childhood memories of this dish… but my future kids will! This was delicious and also felt restorative somehow. I deglazed at the end with an Austrian white wine, mixed in some pork shoulder, and served with packaged spatzle. Can’t wait to make it again!

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