Description
This easy new year’s cabbage recipe features smoky glazed and tender wedges, offering a comforting and budget-friendly meal. It’s a family-friendly favorite perfect for a special start to the year without fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large green cabbage, 1.2-1.5 kg
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons date syrup
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toasted chopped pistachios, for garnish
- Fresh mint or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and pat dry the large green cabbage, then carefully cut it into 6-8 thick wedges, making sure some core stays attached to each piece to hold it together. Thinly slice the red onion and mince the garlic.
- Sear Cabbage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place cabbage wedges cut-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and slightly charred. Remove the cabbage and set it aside.
- Saut(e) Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pot. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute until everything becomes wonderfully fragrant.
- Simmer Glaze: Stir in the tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, date syrup, vegetable broth, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Braise Cabbage: Carefully nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Spoon some of the delicious glaze over each wedge, then cover the pot with its lid. Transfer the covered pot to your preheated 190 degrees C (375 degrees F) oven and braise for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, baste the cabbage with more glaze, and continue to cook uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape, and the glaze has beautifully coated the wedges.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from the oven and let the cabbage rest for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary for perfect balance. To plate, arrange 2-3 glazed cabbage wedges, drizzle additional pomegranate molasses in a striking zig-zag pattern, and garnish generously with toasted, chopped pistachios and fresh mint or cilantro for a vibrant pop of color and texture.
Notes
For extra protein, consider adding a can of drained chickpeas or white beans during the last 15 minutes of braising. Bulk it up with extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or sliced potatoes. This recipe is naturally low in carbs and dairy-free. Use store-brand vegetable broth for a budget-friendly option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising, Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 wedges (approx. 350 g)
- Calories: 260 calories
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, new year, cabbage, smoky glaze, budget-friendly, family-friendly, hearty, plant-based, braised, healthy meal