7 Easy and Delicious Cabbage Recipes for Every Meal

I. Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy and nutritious way to add more vegetables to your meals, cabbage is a perfect option. This affordable and versatile vegetable can be prepared in many ways, from coleslaw to soups and stews. In this article, we will show you how to make cabbage with some of our favorite easy and delicious recipes.

II. 7 Easy Cabbage Recipes for Your Next Meal

Let’s get started with some of the best cabbage recipes you can try:

1. Cabbage rolls

Cabbage rolls are a classic Eastern European dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. You will need some ground beef, cooked rice, onions, and a few pantry staples to make this dish. Cooked cabbage leaves are stuffed with the filling, and then simmered in tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.

2. Braised cabbage with apples

This recipe is a great side dish for pork or chicken. It features cabbage cooked in apple cider, topped with sautéed apple slices. The flavor combination is perfect for a fall or winter meal.

3. Cabbage and sausage skillet

This is an easy one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. You will need some sliced sausage, shredded cabbage, diced onions, and garlic. Everything is cooked in one skillet until tender and flavorful.

4. Spicy Asian slaw

This recipe is a perfect alternative to traditional coleslaw. The slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion, and dressed with a spicy Asian-inspired sauce. This is a great side dish for grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches.

5. Cabbage and ground beef skillet

This is another one-pot meal that is quick and easy to make. You will need some ground beef, chopped cabbage, diced onions, and garlic. Everything is cooked in one skillet until the beef is browned and the cabbage is tender.

6. Cabbage and noodle stir fry

This recipe is a simple stir-fry that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. You will need some shredded cabbage, cooked noodles, diced carrots, and bell pepper. Everything is stir-fried in a wok or skillet until tender and flavorful.

7. Cabbage and carrot slaw

This is another alternative to traditional coleslaw. The slaw is made with shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed with a simple vinaigrette dressing. This is a great side dish for grilled meats or burgers.

III. From Coleslaw to Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 5 Ways to Cook Cabbage

If you want to cook cabbage, you should know that there are a few cooking methods you can use:

1. Coleslaw (raw)

The most common way to eat cabbage raw is to make coleslaw. Coleslaw is a simple salad made with shredded cabbage and a dressing that can be sweet and tangy or creamy.

2. Stuffed cabbage rolls (boiled/steamed)

Stuffed cabbage rolls are made by wrapping cooked cabbage leaves around a filling, usually ground beef, rice, and onions. The rolls are boiled or steamed until tender and flavorful.

3. Braised cabbage with apples (braised)

Braising is a cooking method where the food is cooked slowly in a liquid, usually wine or broth. Braising cabbage makes it tender and flavorful. The addition of apples makes it sweet and tangy.

4. Roasted cabbage wedges (roasted)

Roasting is a fantastic cooking method for vegetables. Roasted cabbage gets caramelized and crispy, making it a perfect side dish for steaks or roasts.

5. Cabbage and noodle stir fry (sautéed)

Sautéing is a quick way to cook cabbage without losing its nutrients. Cabbage can be stir-fried with other vegetables or with meat or noodles.

IV. A Beginner’s Guide to Making Sauerkraut with Cabbage

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that is packed with probiotics and other nutrients. Making sauerkraut at home is easy and affordable:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 tablespoon of sea salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded cabbage and salt in a large bowl.
2. Massage the cabbage with your hands until it releases its liquid.
3. Transfer the cabbage and liquid to a jar.
4. Press the cabbage down until the liquid covers it completely.
5. Cover the jar with a lid and let it ferment at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or until it reaches your desired taste.

Tips:

• Make sure to use a clean jar and utensils.
• Keep the sauerkraut away from direct sunlight.
• Burp the jar every day to release any gases that may have built up.
• Store the sauerkraut in the fridge once it’s fermented to your liking.

V. How to Make Kimchi with Cabbage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kimchi is another fermented cabbage dish that is popular in Korean cuisine. Making kimchi at home can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 tablespoon of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded cabbage and salt in a large bowl.
2. Massage the cabbage with your hands until it releases its liquid.
3. Drain the excess liquid and reserve it.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the gochujang, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved liquid.
5. Add the cabbage to the bowl and toss everything together.
6. Transfer the kimchi to a jar and press it down until the liquid covers it completely.
7. Cover the jar with a lid and let it ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days, or until it reaches your desired taste.

Tips:

• Make sure to use gloves when handling the gochujang to avoid staining your hands.
• Like sauerkraut, kimchi needs to be burped every day to release any gases that may have built up.
• Store the kimchi in the fridge once it’s fermented to your liking.

VI. Quick and Healthy: One-Pot Cabbage Soup Recipe

This soup is perfect for a comforting and filling meal. It’s also low in calories and packed with nutrients:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add the cabbage and oregano, and sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Add the broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

VII. Cabbage Stir-Fry: The Perfect Side Dish

This stir-fry is quick and easy to make and can be customized to your taste:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the cabbage, bell pepper, and onion, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a separate bowl, and pour over the stir-fry.
5. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

VIII. How to Keep Your Cabbage Fresh for Longer: Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips for storing cabbage to keep it fresh for longer:

Refrigeration:

• Whole heads of cabbage can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Shredded or cut cabbage can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Wrap the cabbage in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container to prevent moisture from building up.

Freezing:

• Cabbage can be blanched and frozen for up to 8 months.
• To blanch cabbage, boil it for 2-3 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Drain the cabbage and pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Using up leftover cabbage:

• Add leftover cabbage to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
• Make sauerkraut or kimchi.
• Use cabbage leaves as a substitute for tortillas or bread.

IX. Conclusion

Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. With the recipes and tips we’ve provided, you can make delicious meals with cabbage that your whole family will love. Whether you prefer coleslaw, soup, or stir-fry, there’s a recipe for every taste.