Vepřo Knedlo Zelo

What it really is

Vepřo Knedlo Zelo Roast pork is served with bread dumplings and braised cabbage, usually flavoured with caraway. The name is a compact Czech menu description of its three parts: pork, dumpling and cabbage.

The three elements are traditionally plated together so the dumpling can absorb juices from both the roast and cabbage. Caraway may season the pork or cabbage, while the cabbage can be fermented or braised fresh depending on the cook. The title signals the combination but not every preparation detail; the restaurant should say what kind of cabbage it uses and whether the pork has crackling. Bread dumplings generally contain wheat and may contain egg or milk.

The combination is defined by the roast, dumplings and cabbage; the kind of cabbage and seasoning can differ. The dish name alone does not indicate whether the cabbage is fermented or fresh, or whether the pork has crackling.

How it's served

Plate the pork with sliced bread dumplings and a portion of braised cabbage; the dumplings can absorb the roast juices and cabbage liquid.

How to write it on the menu

Identify the pork and whether the cabbage is fresh or fermented. Bread dumplings contain wheat and may include egg or milk, depending on the recipe.