Cabbage- a very versatile veggie

Cabbage is one of the least expensive, most versatile vegetables around. With so many varieties to choose from, you’ll have multiple ways to enjoy this cancer-fighting hero. Since cabbage is often harvested in late summer/fall, it’s a great time of year to try a few new dishes. Here are 12 ways to love cabbage.

1. Cabbage and apple slaw. Cabbage and apples pair nicely together given their savory, sweet characteristics. Using a head of purple or green cabbage, clean and shred the cabbage and set aside. Take 3 Gala, Honey Crisp or Pink Lady apples and clean, core and cut into 1” chunks. Place apples and cabbage in a bowl. Whisk together 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp. honey, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1 tsp. ground black pepper. Dress the cabbage and apples with the dressing and cool before serving.
2. Cabbage wraps. Why should lettuce get all the action? Clean and dry cabbage leaves and set aside. Sautee 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7) and drain fat. Add 2 tsp. each low sodium soy sauce, ginger paste and 1 clove minced garlic. Place 3 Tbsp. seasoned turkey mixture in cabbage leaf, roll up and serve warm.
3. Polish haluski. Cabbage, onions and noodles join to make a popular Polish dish called Haluski. Clean and chop 1 head of cabbage. Slice 1 small white or onion into rings. Sautee cabbage and onions in 1 Tbsp. corn oil and 1 Tbsp. butter. Add to cooked egg noodles.
4. Cabbage soup. Once popular as a weight loss diet, cabbage soup is simple, filling and delicious on its own. You’ll need 3 Tbsp. olive oil, t tsp. dried thyme, ½ tsp. salt, 1 minced onion, 2 cloves garlic- minced. 4 chopped celery stalks, 4 chopped carrots, ½ head of cabbage- cut into chunks, 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock, 1 (15 oz can) diced tomatoes. Sautee the spices and vegetables together for ~5-10 minutes until veggies are soft. Add chicken stock and tomatoes and simmer for ~30 minutes.
5. Roasted cabbage “steaks” Slice red/purple cabbage into 1” “steaks”. Brush with olive oil and roast on 400 for 15-20 minutes until outside leaves are crispy and inside is soft.
6. Stir fried cabbage. This simple side dish combines ½ head chopped green or red cabbage, 1 Tbsp. corn oil, 1 tsp. ginger paste, 1 tsp. Sriracha sauce, 1 clove garlic and 2 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce.
7. Add shredded purple cabbage to green salads for a pop of color!
8. Colcannon- use cabbage in this Iris dish instead of kale. Light/whipped butter and 2% milk can be used in place of full fat butter and cream to reduce fat in the recipe.
9. Shred cabbage with carrots and make your own cole slaw..
10. Brush green or red cabbage with olive oil and grill with peppers and onions to add to tacos or fajitas.
11. Use chopped cabbage in place of kale or spinach in soup made with 2 cans drained/rinsed white beans, 2 cups mirepoix, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 clove minced garlic and 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning.
12. Try braised Napa cabbage as your base for broiled salmon or pork tenderloin.

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LDDownload our fun Cabbage Flyer PDF Handout[shopify embed_type="collection" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="new-products"]