Ingredients
The Cabbage Base
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Protein Power-Up (Choose One or Combine!)
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
The Flavor Boosters
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Let’s Talk Cabbage: Choosing and Preparing
Choosing the right cabbage is key to a successful Cabbage Dinner! Look for a head that feels heavy for its size, with tightly packed leaves. Avoid cabbages with blemishes or yellowing leaves. Green cabbage is the most common and versatile, but you could also experiment with red or Savoy cabbage for different flavors and textures.
Preparing the cabbage is simple. First, remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then lay each half flat and cut out the core in a “V” shape. Now you can shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline. If you’re short on time, pre-shredded cabbage from the grocery store works just fine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started: Sautéing the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Building the Flavor: Cabbage and Spices
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of cabbage at first; it will cook down significantly.
Adding the Protein and Liquid
- If using ground beef, add it to the pot. If using kielbasa or chickpeas, add them now as well.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmering to Perfection
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
- If using apple cider vinegar, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serving and Enjoying
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or paprika depending on your preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own!
The beauty of this Cabbage Dinner recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your liking!- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Add more veggies: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes would all be delicious additions. Dice them and add them along with the cabbage.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add other hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for added protein and texture.
- Use different beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans would all work well in place of the chickpeas.
- Change the protein: Try using shredded chicken or cooked ham instead of ground beef or kielbasa.
- Add a creamy element: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a richer flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Cabbage Dinner Success
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: While you want it to be tender, avoid cooking it to the point where it becomes mushy.
- Adjust the liquid as needed: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth. If it seems too watery, remove the lid and simmer for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Make it ahead of time: This Cabbage Dinner is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze it for later: This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Cabbage is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or blood sugar levels. Plus, it contains compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of certain cancers.Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Cabbage Dinner!
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly Cabbage Dinner that’s sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. With its customizable nature and nutritional benefits, this recipe is a winner all around. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both good for you and incredibly tasty. Happy cooking, friend!What kind of cabbage is best to use for this recipe?
Green cabbage is the most common and versatile choice for this recipe, but you can also experiment with red or Savoy cabbage for different flavors and textures.
Can I make this cabbage dinner vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add other hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for added protein and texture.
How long can I store leftovers of this cabbage dinner?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some ways I can customize this cabbage dinner recipe?
You can spice it up with red pepper flakes, add more vegetables like carrots or potatoes, use different beans, change the protein to shredded chicken or ham, or add a creamy element like sour cream.
Easy Cabbage Dinner
This Easy Cabbage Dinner recipe transforms humble cabbage into a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a comforting and nutritious weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite protein and vegetables for a budget-friendly and delicious dish the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained or 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced, or 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
- If using ground beef, add it to the pot. If using kielbasa or chickpeas, add them now as well.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded together.
- If using apple cider vinegar, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Add carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes. Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth, adding mushrooms or lentils. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans can replace chickpeas. Shredded chicken or cooked ham can replace ground beef or kielbasa. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer flavor. Don’t overcook the cabbage. Adjust liquid as needed. This dish is even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
