Cabbage is a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. With just one head of cabbage, you can create multiple meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. In this guide, we will explore five different cabbage recipes: Cabbage Soup, Cabbage Rolls, Cabbage Pancakes, Cabbage Stir-Fry, and Cabbage Salad. Each recipe is easy to follow and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Cabbage Soup
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots and dice the onion and garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Cabbage Rolls
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the large outer leaves, setting them aside to use for rolling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the Cabbage: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the beef and rice mixture at the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients for Cabbage Pancakes
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make Cabbage Pancakes
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and finely chopped onion.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, water, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the batter over the vegetables and mix well to combine.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the cabbage mixture into the skillet and flatten it into a pancake shape. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the cabbage pancakes hot, optionally with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or a spicy mayo.
Ingredients for Cabbage Stir-Fry
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and slice the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Stir-Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and carrot, and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
- Season: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the vegetables. Add the chili flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the cabbage stir-fry hot, either as a side dish or over steamed rice as a main course.
Ingredients for Cabbage Salad
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cabbage Salad
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, thinly sliced apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
About the Main Ingredients
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable known for its dense nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. When selecting a cabbage, look for a head that feels heavy for its size with crisp, tightly packed leaves. Carrots add a sweet crunch and vibrant color, while onions and garlic provide a savory depth of flavor. These simple yet nutritious ingredients come together to create a variety of dishes that are both delicious and wholesome.
