FRIKKADELS IN CABBAGE WRAPS - FOODS OF THE CAPE

DELECTABLE OUMENS ONDER DIE KOMBERS - FOODS OF THE CAPE

Frikkadels in cabbage-leaf wraps "Babies in Jackets" better known as oumense onder die komberse is a genuine traditional South African Cap Malay recipe. Essentially it is a spicy mince meat ball, rolled up in a steamed cabbage leaf which then gets placed on top of the partially done bredie (mutton stew) and left to simmer until done. The result is a meal which is best eaten without utensils so that you can lick you fingers because its that nice. Its not an expensive dish to make either because a large cabbage only cost a few rands and has more leaf layers than the amount of frikkadels that will end up in the pot. The meat balls doesn't consist of meat in its entirety as a few slices of crumbed bread, parsley and other spices are added which increases the volume. However mince meat is the main ingredient.

The recipe below outlines the necessary ingredients and the method of preparation. Its not difficult to make but needs a bit of preparation. So here goes. Take a large cabbage and peel its outer dark green layers and set aside. The lighter whitish green leaves is what we want to use. Take care not to break the leaves. Thereafter remove the centre vein from the each leaf (the hard thick part) and wash then thoroughly. Place the leaves into a large pot and  steam them until soft and pliable then  set them aside. 

Cabbage leaf wraps with succulent chunks of mutton.

Oumense onder die combers is the traditional name for the dish
and is really  wonderful with some mango or lemon pickle.

Parcels of mince frikkadels wrapped in cabbage leaves

FRIKKADELS IN CABBAGE LEAVES RECIPE
(OUMENS ONDER DIE KOMBERS RECIPE)

Preparation consists of two parts. The first, a mutton stew and the second a frikkadel mix. The mutton should be stewed until soft and there must be lots of gravy in the pot before the cabbage parcels are added so that it can seep into the cabbage parcels. Serves at least 8.

Ingredients Mutton Stew:-

2 medium onions,

4 tblsp salad / cooking oil,

500 g mutton pieces, preferably shin (nuckles)

250 ml water,

5 ml salt,

6 whole cloves,

6 allspice balls,

2 ml freshly ground black pepper,

1 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley,

5 ml ground nutmeg,

a few chopped steamed cabbage leaves,

Chop, slice or dice the 2 medium onions and add to heated oil in a fairly large saucepan. Braise until golden brown then add meat, spices and water. Cook until meat is tender, about 45 minute then add chopped / steamed cabbage and parsley.

Ingredients frikkadel mix:-

1 egg

2 ml salt

2 ml freshly ground black pepper

2 ml ground nutmeg

1 small onion, grated

2 cloves of fresh  garlic - crushed

1 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley 

3 slices stale white bread, soaked in water untill soft and squeezed dry

500 g Beef mince

Mix the washed mince in a large bowl with the spices, egg, grated onion and bread to make a loose texture.  Place about 2 tablespoons of frikkadel mixture in centre of each steamed cabbage leaf and roll up into parcels. Place parcels in pot on top of stewed mutton and simmer, with a closed lid for about 30 minutes. When done grate a sprinkle of nutmeg over the top. Serve with fragrant white rice.