If you are anything like me, whenever you have seen this vegetable at the grocery store you have likely walked right on by. I never thought that I liked cabbage when in actuality, I just never cared to try it. About one month ago I cooked with green cabbage for the first time. And my verdict?… I loved it! I am here to tell you right now that despite your potential preconceived thoughts regarding cabbage, it can and IS good! You just need to prepare it right. In celebration of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, I am here to show you just how delicious cabbage can be. Oh, and it is safe to say that we will not be talking about, making, serving, or eating corned beef. Who needs that, anyways? 😉
Lentil and Cabbage Casserole
Adapted from Melanie’s recipe for Cabbage Roll Casserole
Servings: 3-4
Ingredients
EVOO cooking spray
1 cup lentils, dry
water, for cooking
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 green or red bell pepper, diced
1 small zucchini, chopped into quarters
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried basil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 TB Better Than Bouillon vegetable soup base
1/2 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into shreds
1/2 cup water
nutritional yeast, optional
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with EVOO cooking spray.
2. Cook lentils according to package directions.
3. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot. Once hot, lower heat to medium and add onions, peppers, and zucchini. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add more water, if necessary.
4. Add lentils, garlic, spices, tomatoes, pasta sauce, and soup base. Stir until well-combined.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low, add cabbage and water, and simmer for approximately 3 minutes.
6. Pour the lentil and cabbage mixture into the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Top with nutritional yeast, if desired.
After I took my first bite of this casserole I knew that I was going to have to do something that I did not want to do. I was going to have to admit that I was wrong about cabbage. It is not bland or unappetizing. It is good! I enjoyed this dish so much that I actually made it again this week in preparation for St. Patty’s Day. You really cannot go wrong with this flavorful, protein-packed vegan dish. If you want to try cooking with cabbage for the first time, this is definitely the recipe for you!
Are you wondering what to do with your leftover green cabbage after you make this tasty casserole? Well, you could make this:
Spicy Cooked Cabbage
Adapted from Kristen’s recipe for Salt and Vinegar Cabbage
Servings: 2
Ingredients
water, for cooking
1 small yellow onion, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium head green cabbage, cut into shreds
1 TB low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fine sea salt
red pepper flakes, to taste
black pepper, to taste
sriracha sauce, to taste
Directions
1. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot. Once hot, lower the heat to medium and add onions and garlic. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until softened. Add additional water, as necessary.
2. Add cabbage and cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water, as needed, to prevent sticking and burning.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add soy sauce, vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sriracha sauce. Stir until well-combined. Simmer an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve this as a side alongside your next main dish! Spicy cabbage? Um, yes please!
Lastly, pick up The Happy Herbivore Cookbook or visit the Happy Herbivore website, and make a delicious dish of Mexican Cabbage! Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this one.
So….have I convinced you yet? Go on, give it a try! You too will see that cabbage can be and is delicious!
