Name: Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Green cabbage – about 6 cups, finely shredded; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 egg, beaten (for binding filling); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 to 1/3 cup cold water (adjust as needed); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped; Pinch of salt; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

If you’re craving a dish that offers a beautiful balance of crispy, tender, and creamy textures, look no further than the Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce. This comforting savory pie combines golden, flaky pastry filled with sautéed cabbage and warm spices, all topped with a luscious dill cream sauce that ties every bite together. It’s a delightful way to enjoy cabbage like never before, perfect for cozy dinners or impressive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The fresh dill cream sauce perfectly complements the earthy, slightly sweet cabbage filling.
Texture Bliss: Crispy pastry exterior meets tender sautéed cabbage inside for the ultimate satisfying bite.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples combine for a dish that’s impressive without fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether weekday dinner or weekend entertaining, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A great meat-free option packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is key to making this Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role, from vibrant cabbage to the fresh dill that lifts the creamy sauce.

Green Cabbage: Provides crunch and a slightly sweet base for the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the flaky pastry crust.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a crispy crust texture.
Onion and Garlic: Build a savory flavor foundation in the filling.
Fresh Dill: Infuses the cream sauce with herbaceous freshness and brightness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creates a tangy, creamy sauce perfect for drizzling.
Egg: Binds the filling and glazes the pastry for golden sheen.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the cabbage and aromatics.

Variations for Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce

Feel free to personalize your Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce to suit your tastes, dietary requirements, or available ingredients. It’s an adaptable recipe that lends itself well to creativity.

Cheese Addition: Stir in grated cheddar or feta for extra richness and flavor depth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pastry or a chickpea flour crust for those with gluten intolerance.
Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and sour cream for cashew cream or plant-based yogurt.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the filling for a smoky kick.
Mix Veggies: Include shredded carrots, leeks, or spinach for added color and nutrition.

Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce Delight

How to Make Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by finely shredding the green cabbage and thinly slicing onions. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and slightly caramelized, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Dough

Combine all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter in a bowl, rubbing butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and knead gently until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out half the dough and place it in a greased pie dish, ensuring the edges hang over. Mix the cooled cabbage filling with a beaten egg as a binder, then spoon it into the crust. Roll the remaining dough on top, seal the edges, and pierce a few slits for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg for a glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden brown. Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.

Step 5: Prepare the Dill Cream Sauce

While the pie bakes, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Slice the pie and generously drizzle or serve alongside the cool, creamy dill sauce for an irresistible flavor pairing.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce

Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and water cold for the flakiest, crispiest pastry crust possible.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Sauté just until tender to retain sweetness and texture in the filling.
Chill Dough Before Baking: Helps prevent shrinkage and keeps the crust tender.
Fresh Dill is Key: Use fresh dill rather than dried for the best flavor in your cream sauce.
Egg Wash Enhances Color: Brushing the crust with egg creates a beautiful golden finish.

How to Serve Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh dill sprigs or a light sprinkle of paprika add a lovely visual touch and hint at the flavors within.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables to complement the rich pie without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pie in individual mini tins for parties or family dinners, topped with a dollop of dill cream sauce and a lemon wedge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days without losing quality.

Freezing

This pie freezes well before baking; flash freeze assembled pies on a tray, then wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness, avoiding sogginess common with microwave reheating.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well and adds a beautiful color twist to your pie without changing the overall flavor too much.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, by swapping butter for plant-based oils and using vegan yogurt or cashew cream in place of sour cream, you can create a delicious vegan version.

What kind of pastry is best for this pie?

A simple butter-based all-purpose flour dough works best for a flaky, crispy crust. Puff pastry can also be used for an even lighter texture.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, including prep and baking, this recipe takes about 1 hour, making it a fairly quick savory pie to make.

Can I prepare the dill cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the dill cream sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just give it a good stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. With its easy-to-source ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe invites you to bring a new twist to your dinner table. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and savor a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and effortlessly delicious in every way.

Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Cabbage Pie with Dill Cream Sauce is a comforting savory pie featuring a golden, flaky pastry crust filled with sautéed green cabbage and warm spices. Topped with a fresh and tangy dill cream sauce, this dish balances crispy, tender, and creamy textures for a delicious vegetarian-friendly meal perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: Finely shred the green cabbage and thinly slice the onions. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Make the Pastry Dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, kneading gently until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Pie: Roll out half of the chilled dough and place it into a greased pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over. Mix the cooled cabbage filling with the beaten egg to bind. Spoon the filling evenly into the pastry crust. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pinching them together and pierce a few slits on top to let steam escape. Brush the top crust with beaten egg to create a glossy finish.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled pie for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest briefly before serving.
Prepare the Dill Cream Sauce: While the pie bakes, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve with Love: Slice the pie and serve it generously drizzled with or alongside the cool, creamy dill sauce for a delightful flavor pairing.

Notes

Use cold butter and water for the flakiest, crispiest pastry crust.
Do not overcook the cabbage; sauté just until tender to retain its sweetness and texture.
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent shrinkage and keeps the crust tender.
Use fresh dill rather than dried for the best flavor in the cream sauce.
Brushing the crust with egg wash enhances the crust’s golden color.