5 Delicious Cabbage Recipes You Have to Try

Cabbage is often overlooked in the culinary world, but its versatility and nutritional benefits make it a star in the kitchen. If you're looking to expand your culinary repertoire, here are five delicious cabbage recipes that will make you see this humble vegetable in a new light.

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish in many cultures, offering a comforting combination of meat, rice, and tomatoes, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Boil a large pot of water and carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage. Blanch each leaf for 2-3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
2. In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
3. Mix in the cooked rice with the meat, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
4. Prepare a baking dish with a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture at the stem end, and roll up, folding in the sides to enclose the filling.
5. Place each roll seam-side down in the dish, packing them closely together. Pour more tomato sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes.

🌟 Note: Make sure to use enough sauce to keep the rolls moist while baking. You might also consider adding some diced tomatoes or spices like cumin or paprika to the sauce for additional flavor.

Asian Slaw

For a refreshing and vibrant side, try this Asian-inspired cabbage slaw. It's perfect as a side dish or to add crunch to your meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head Napa cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps:

1. Combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced bell pepper, and green onions in a large bowl.
2. In a smaller bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro before serving.

🥗 Note: This slaw can be prepared ahead of time. Its flavors will intensify over time, making it great for next-day meals. Adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste.

Sauteed Cabbage with Caraway Seeds

This simple dish brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage while adding a delightful crunch with caraway seeds.

Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon for juice

Steps:

1. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add caraway seeds and let them toast for about a minute.
3. Add the sliced cabbage, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat with the oil and seeds. Cook for about 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the cabbage before serving.

🌿 Note: Cooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds, so ensure your kitchen is well ventilated. For a smoother dish, you can also reduce the amount of caraway seeds or substitute with fennel seeds.

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki)

This Japanese dish, known as Okonomiyaki, is a savory pancake filled with cabbage, customizable to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dashi or water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Toppings: mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, dried seaweed, bonito flakes

Steps:

1. Whisk together flour, dashi (or water), eggs, grated ginger, and soy sauce to make the batter.
2. Add shredded cabbage, mixing until just coated. Do not overmix.
3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly oiling the surface. Pour batter in circles to form pancakes.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook the other side.
5. Spread mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce on top, then sprinkle with seaweed and bonito flakes.

🍳 Note: Okonomiyaki means "grilled as you like it," so feel free to add ingredients like shrimp, pork, or different vegetables to make it your own. Serve it fresh off the grill for the best experience.

Creamy Cabbage Soup

This soup transforms cabbage into a rich, creamy delight, perfect for cold weather or as a comforting meal anytime.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Steps:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot until onions are translucent.
2. Add the potatoes, cook for a few minutes, then add the broth and bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the chopped cabbage. Cook until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, keeping some chunks for texture.
5. Stir in cream or milk, adjust seasoning, and heat through without boiling. Garnish with dill before serving.

🥣 Note: For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also experiment with adding carrots or celery for additional flavor and nutrients.

In summary, cabbage is much more than just a base for coleslaw. From the traditional comfort of cabbage rolls to the exotic flavors of Okonomiyaki, these recipes showcase the delightful potential of this often-underestimated vegetable. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing side or a hearty, filling main course, cabbage can fit the bill. Its high fiber content, vitamins, and minerals offer a healthier option to many dishes, proving that sometimes, the most common ingredients can yield the most extraordinary results.