Roasted cabbage is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this hearty and nutritious vegetable. The combination of high heat and savory seasonings transforms cabbage into a crispy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy this versatile vegetable or just want to try something new, this recipe for roasted cabbage is sure to impress your taste buds.
The Best Bake Roasted Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin may need more depending on the size of your cabbage head.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Remove any outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into 1/2 inch thick slices, removing the core.
- Place the cabbage slices on a baking sheet lined with lightly greased parchment paper or aluminum foil and brush the olive oil mixture over both sides the cabbage slices.
- Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Notes
- Cut the cabbage into even wedges: When cutting the cabbage, try to make the wedges as even as possible. This will help them cook evenly and prevent some pieces from getting burnt while others are undercooked.
- Use a hot oven: Roasting cabbage requires a high temperature to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender. Preheat your oven to 425-450°F (220-230°C) for best results.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet: Place the cabbage wedges on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking and to catch any juices that may leak out during roasting.
- Brush with oil: Brush the cabbage wedges with oil on both sides to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the cabbage generously with salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs. Cabbage has a mild flavor and can absorb a lot of seasoning.
- Flip halfway through cooking: To ensure both sides of the cabbage wedges get crispy, flip them over halfway through cooking.
- Watch carefully towards the end of cooking: The high temperature can cause the cabbage to go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly. Keep an eye on the cabbage towards the end of cooking and remove it from the oven once it’s reached your desired level of doneness.
- History
- Pairing Recommendations
- Variations
- Cabbage Varieties
- Nutritional Benefits
- Nutritional Breakdown
- Fun Facts
History:
Roasted vegetables have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Cabbage itself is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and has been cultivated for thousands of years. In ancient times, cabbage was often preserved by fermenting it into sauerkraut or pickling it, but roasting likely became a popular cooking method as soon as ovens were developed. Roasting vegetables was a common method of cooking in medieval Europe and was often done over an open fire or in a wood-fired oven. Over time, roasting vegetables, including cabbage, became a beloved tradition in many cuisines around the world. Today, roasted cabbage remains a popular and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable
Pairing Recommendations:
Roasted cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some pairing recommendations for roasted cabbage:
- Roasted meats: Roasted cabbage pairs particularly well with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the cabbage complement the richness of the meat.
- Grilled or roasted fish: Roasted cabbage also pairs well with grilled or roasted fish like salmon or trout. The mild flavor of the fish is balanced nicely by the bold flavor of the cabbage.
- Vegetarian mains: For a vegetarian meal, roasted cabbage can be paired with other roasted or grilled vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, or eggplant. It can also be served alongside grain-based dishes, like quinoa or brown rice.
- Sandwiches or burgers: Roasted cabbage can also be used as a tasty topping for sandwiches or burgers. Its crispy texture and bold flavor provide a delicious contrast to the other ingredients.
- Soups or stews: Finally, roasted cabbage can be added to soups or stews for extra flavor and nutrition. It pairs particularly well with hearty vegetable soups or stews made with beans or lentils.
With its versatility and delicious flavor, roasted cabbage is a great side dish to pair with a variety of main courses.
Variations:
Here are some variations to this recipe :
- Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs to add more flavor to your roasted cabbage. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the cabbage before roasting or sprinkled on top after cooking.
- Use different seasonings: Instead of the seasonings listed in the recipe, try using your favorite spice blends, such as cumin, chili powder, or curry powder.
- Add vegetables: Roasting other vegetables along with the cabbage can add more texture and flavor to the dish. Try adding sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the roasting pan.
- Add cheese: Crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top of the roasted cabbage for extra flavor and richness.
- Add nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top of the roasted cabbage for added crunch and nutrition.
- Add sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, try drizzling honey or maple syrup over the cabbage before roasting. Alternatively, you can add raisins or dried cranberries to the roasting pan for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique variation of roasted cabbage.
Cabbage Varieties:
When it comes to roasting cabbage, any variety of cabbage can work well. However, some types of cabbage may be better suited for roasting than others.
Savoy cabbage is a popular choice for roasting because of its tender leaves and mild flavor. Its crinkled leaves also create a nice texture when roasted.
Napa cabbage is another great option, as it has a milder flavor than other cabbage varieties and roasts well.
Green cabbage is the most common variety of cabbage and can also be roasted, but it has a slightly tougher texture than savoy or napa cabbage.
Red cabbage is another option, but it may not roast as evenly as other varieties and can sometimes turn brown when roasted for too long.
Ultimately, the best type of cabbage for roasting is a matter of personal preference, and any variety of cabbage can be roasted with delicious results
Nutritional Benefits:
This roasted cabbage recipe offers several nutritional benefits, including:
- High in fiber: Cabbage is a good source of dietary fiber, with one head of cabbage containing about 14 grams of fiber. This can help support digestive health and promote feelings of fullness.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Cabbage is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.
- Low in calories: With only 116 calories per serving, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a filling and nutritious side dish without adding excessive calories to your meal.
- Heart-healthy fats: The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cabbage contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease.
Overall, this roasted cabbage recipe is a nutritious and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and reap the many health benefits that cabbage has to offer.
Nutritional Breakdown:
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for the roasted cabbage recipe you provided (assuming it serves 4):
- Calories: 116
- Total fat: 8.2g
- Saturated fat: 1.2g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 584mg
- Total carbohydrate: 11.1g
- Dietary fiber: 4.2g
- Total sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2.6g
This recipe is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, with a moderate amount of healthy fats from the olive oil. The sodium content is relatively high, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake. Overall, roasted cabbage is a healthy and nutritious side dish that can be a great addition to a balanced diet.
Fun Facts:
- Here are some fun facts about roasted cabbage:
- Cabbage is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are known for their many health benefits, including being high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Roasting cabbage brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges, creating a delicious and flavorful dish.
- Cabbage is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
- Cabbage was a staple food in ancient Rome and was often used to treat various ailments, including headaches and hangovers.
- During the Middle Ages, cabbage was one of the few vegetables that could be grown and stored throughout the winter, making it an important food source for many people.
- Today, cabbage is grown and enjoyed all over the world, and there are many different varieties to choose from, including green, red, and savoy cabbage.
- Roasted cabbage can be enjoyed as a side dish or used in a variety of recipes, such as salads, soups, and stir-fries.
“Cabbage is like broccoli’s cooler, older brother.”
– Jim Gaffigan
