7 Delicious Indian Cabbage Recipes to Try

Cabbage is not just a humble vegetable; it's a culinary gem in Indian cuisine, known for its versatility and health benefits. From being the star in traditional dishes like bandh gobi to being integrated into modern fusion recipes, Indian cabbage recipes showcase the vegetable's ability to absorb flavors and transform into delectable delights. Whether you are a fan of spicy, tangy, or sweet and savory, here are seven delightful Indian cabbage recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Bandh Gobi Ki Sabzi

This traditional Punjabi dish, known as Bandh Gobi Ki Sabzi, is a simple yet flavorful dry vegetable curry made with cabbage and spices.

• Ingredients:
  • Cabbage, shredded
  • Mustard seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil, add mustard and cumin seeds until they crackle.
  2. Add turmeric and shredded cabbage. Stir well.
  3. Add red chili powder, salt, and cook until cabbage is soft.
  4. Finish with garam masala and coriander leaves.

🌟 Note: Bandh Gobi Ki Sabzi pairs wonderfully with roti or as a side dish with any Indian meal.

2. Cabbage Pakoda

A beloved Indian street food, cabbage pakodas are essentially deep-fried cabbage fritters that offer a crisp and delicious snack.

• Ingredients:
  • Cabbage, finely shredded
  • Gram flour (besan)
  • Green chilies
  • Asafoetida (hing)
  • Ajwan seeds
  • Red chili powder
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Oil for frying
• Preparation:
  1. Mix gram flour with spices and water to make a thick batter.
  2. Add shredded cabbage to the batter, ensuring even coating.
  3. Heat oil and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.

3. Cabbage Stir Fry with Garlic

For a quick and healthy side dish, this garlic-laden cabbage stir fry is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Garlic, finely chopped
  • Soy sauce
  • Vegetable oil
  • Black pepper
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic until golden.
  2. Add cabbage, stir-fry quickly on high heat.
  3. Add soy sauce and black pepper, mix well, and serve.

4. Cabbage Paratha

Cabbage Paratha is a stuffed flatbread, perfect for breakfast or as a snack, where finely chopped cabbage adds a delightful crunch.

• Ingredients:
  • Wheat flour
  • Finely chopped cabbage
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Coriander leaves
  • Cumin seeds
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Ghee or oil for cooking
• Preparation:
  1. Prepare the dough using flour, salt, and water.
  2. Mix the stuffing ingredients and roll out the dough.
  3. Fill with the cabbage mixture, seal, and cook on a hot griddle until golden brown.

5. Cabbage Rice

This Cabbage Rice recipe is a south Indian dish known as cabbage pulao, where rice and shredded cabbage are cooked with a blend of spices.

• Ingredients:
  • Basmati rice
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Mustard seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Curry leaves
  • Green chilies
  • Turmeric powder
  • Grated coconut (optional)
  • Ghee or oil
  • Water
  • Salt
• Preparation:
  1. Heat ghee/oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
  2. Stir in green chilies, cabbage, turmeric, and salt.
  3. Add rice, water, and cook until done. Optionally, garnish with grated coconut.

6. Spicy Cabbage Curry

This Spicy Cabbage Curry is a South Indian style dish with a burst of flavors from mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut.

• Ingredients:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Grated coconut
  • Mustard seeds
  • Channa dal
  • Urad dal
  • Red chillies
  • Curry leaves
  • Turmeric
  • Salt
• Preparation:
  1. Temper mustard seeds, channa dal, urad dal, and red chillies in oil.
  2. Add curry leaves, cabbage, turmeric, salt, and cook.
  3. Garnish with grated coconut.

7. Cabbage Theeyal

Cabbage Theeyal is a traditional Kerala dish where cabbage is slow-cooked in a roasted coconut and tamarind gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • Cabbage, cut into medium pieces
  • Grated coconut
  • Tamarind extract
  • Curry leaves
  • Red chili powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Turmeric
  • Shallots
  • Mustard seeds
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Salt
• Preparation:
  1. Dry roast coconut and grind with spices for a paste.
  2. Heat oil, add mustard seeds and shallots, then stir in the ground paste.
  3. Add tamarind extract, salt, and cook cabbage until tender.

These recipes showcase the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine in its use of cabbage, from the comfort of a curry to the crispy allure of pakodas. Each dish not only brings out the unique flavors of cabbage but also integrates traditional spices and cooking techniques that highlight the richness of Indian gastronomy. Exploring these recipes opens up a world of flavors, textures, and culinary delights, enriching one's understanding and appreciation of cabbage in Indian cooking.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Most of these recipes are naturally vegetarian, and by substituting ghee with oil, you can easily make them vegan. Additionally, for recipes like Cabbage Theeyal, ensure your tamarind extract does not contain any added ingredients that might not be vegan-friendly.

What health benefits do these cabbage recipes offer?

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Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help in digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. When cooked with spices like turmeric, these dishes also gain anti-inflammatory properties.

How long do cabbage dishes typically last when stored?

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Most cabbage dishes, especially if they are curries or stir fries, can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Parathas and pakodas should be consumed within a day or two for the best taste and texture.