How to Cook Cabbage on the Stove : A Step-by-Step Guide

To cook cabbage on the stove, choose between boiling, sautéing, or steaming. Boil for 5-10 minutes, sauté for 8-10 minutes, or steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp. Season and serve.

Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. It is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world and can be cooked in numerous ways, including on the stove. In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits, nutritional facts, and how to select, store, and prepare cabbage. We’ll also provide you with three delicious cabbage recipes to try at home.

Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Rich in vitamin C: One cup of chopped cabbage provides more than half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system.
2. Good source of fiber: A high-fiber diet can aid in digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and help with weight management.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cabbage contains compounds called anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

Nutritional Facts

One cup of chopped raw cabbage contains approximately:

• 22 calories
• 1 gram of protein
• 0.1 grams of fat
• 5 grams of carbohydrates
• 2.2 grams of fiber
• 40.3 milligrams of vitamin C

How to Select and Store Cabbage

When selecting a cabbage, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has tightly packed leaves. The outer leaves should be crisp and free of blemishes or yellowing. To store cabbage, place it in a plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. It should last for up to two weeks.

Related : Baking Battle : Self-Rising Flour vs All-Purpose Flour

Preparing Cabbage for Cooking

Before cooking cabbage, rinse it under cold water and remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core by cutting diagonally into each quarter. You can then slice or chop the cabbage according to your recipe’s requirements.

How to Cook Cabbage on the Stove

There are several ways to cook cabbage on the stove, including boiling, sautéing, and steaming. We’ll explore each method below.

Boiled Cabbage

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the cabbage and bring it to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt and the chopped cabbage.
3. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
4. Drain the cabbage and serve immediately, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter.

Sautéed Cabbage

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced or chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices, and serve immediately.

Steamed Cabbage

1. Bring an inch of water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket.
2. Place the chopped cabbage in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
3. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
4. Remove the cabbage from the steamer basket and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter before serving.

3 Delicious Cabbage Recipes

Cabbage and Sausage Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cabbage and garlic, and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Creamy Cabbage and Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the cabbage, potatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches using a countertop blender until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Heat the soup gently over low heat until heated through, then serve.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, rice, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up like a burrito.
5. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until the rolls are cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Serve the rolls with the sauce from the baking dish.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cooking Cabbage

Advantages:

1. Versatility: Cabbage can be cooked in various ways on the stove, allowing you to create a wide range of dishes to suit your tastes.
2. Nutrient retention: Cooking cabbage on the stove, especially with methods like steaming and sautéing, helps to retain more of its nutrients compared to other cooking methods like boiling.
3. Flavor enhancement: Cooking cabbage on the stove can bring out its natural sweetness and enhance its flavor, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Disadvantages:

1. Odor: Cooking cabbage can release an unpleasant sulfur smell, which might be off-putting for some people. To reduce the odor, cook the cabbage for a shorter time and avoid overcooking it.
2. Loss of nutrients: Boiling cabbage can result in a loss of some of its valuable nutrients. To minimize this, cook the cabbage for a shorter time or use other methods like steaming or sautéing.

Conclusion

Cabbage is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be easily cooked on the stove using various methods. By understanding the health benefits, nutritional facts, and how to properly select, store, and prepare cabbage, you can enjoy this tasty vegetable in a variety of dishes. Experiment with our three delicious cabbage recipes, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your own concoctions. Whether you’re a fan of sautéed, steamed, or boiled cabbage, there are endless possibilities for incorporating this healthy and flavorful ingredient into your meals.

FAQ