Cabbage Dishes Veg Recipes of India You Must Try

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Cabbage is one of the most versatile and beloved vegetables in Indian kitchens, making it a staple ingredient in many traditional vegetarian dishes. From simple stir-fries to rich curries, cabbage dishes capture the essence of Indian flavors with their delightful balance of spices and textures.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, exploring Indian cabbage recipes offers a wonderful way to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals that are both easy to prepare and budget-friendly.

In this post, we’ll dive into a variety of popular Indian cabbage dishes that showcase the vegetable’s adaptability. We will explore recipes like cabbage sabzi, cabbage kofta curry, and cabbage paratha, each bringing its unique taste and cultural significance to your table.

These recipes are perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, and they beautifully complement other Indian staples like rice, roti, or dal.

Get ready to savor the vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome goodness that make Indian cabbage dishes a cherished part of vegetarian cuisine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indian cabbage dishes are a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying bold and comforting flavors. These recipes are:

  • Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
  • Easy to make: Most dishes require simple ingredients and quick cooking methods.
  • Versatile: Suitable as a side dish, main course, or even stuffed in breads like parathas.
  • Flavorful: The combination of cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and chili elevates the humble cabbage.
  • Budget-friendly: Cabbage is inexpensive and widely available year-round.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Green cabbage 1 medium head (about 600g), finely chopped
Oil (mustard or vegetable) 2 tablespoons
Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
Green chilies 2, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Turmeric powder ½ teaspoon
Red chili powder ½ teaspoon
Ginger 1-inch piece, grated
Asafoetida (hing) a pinch
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves 2 tablespoons, chopped
Optional: grated coconut 2 tablespoons

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or kadhai
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater (for ginger and optional coconut)
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove any outer leaves, wash the cabbage thoroughly, and finely chop or shred it. Keep aside.
  2. Heat oil in the skillet: On medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them pop.
  3. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida: Stir in the cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida; sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add the grated ginger and chopped green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Add spices: Sprinkle in turmeric powder and red chili powder. Stir to combine with the aromatics.
  6. Add the cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage, mixing well with the spices.
  7. Cook covered: Cover the pan and cook on low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  8. Add salt: Season with salt to taste midway during cooking.
  9. Optional coconut: Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the grated coconut for added texture and flavor.
  10. Finish with coriander: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer taste, you can add a tempering of garlic or dried red chilies along with the mustard seeds. To make it more filling, add boiled peas or potatoes.”

Try these variations to customize your cabbage dishes:

  • Cabbage Kofta Curry: Make spiced cabbage balls, deep fry them, and serve with a creamy tomato-based curry for an indulgent meal.
  • Cabbage Paratha: Use the spiced cooked cabbage as a stuffing for whole wheat flatbreads.
  • South Indian Style: Add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and grated coconut for a flavorful stir fry called cabbage poriyal.
  • Use different spices: Experiment with garam masala, coriander powder, or amchur (dry mango powder) for tanginess.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 90 kcal
Carbohydrates 12g
Protein 3g
Fat 5g
Fiber 4g
Vitamin C 60% of Daily Value
Vitamin K 70% of Daily Value

Serving Suggestions

Indian cabbage dishes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many traditional accompaniments:

  • Serve with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a wholesome meal.
  • Enjoy alongside freshly made roti, naan, or parathas.
  • Pair with lentils or dal for a balanced protein and fiber-rich plate.
  • For a light meal, serve with yogurt or raita to cool the palate.

Popular Indian Cabbage Recipes to Try

Expand your repertoire with these beloved cabbage dishes from India:

Cabbage Sabzi (Dry Stir Fry)

This simple and quick stir-fried cabbage is flavored with mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chilies. Perfect for busy weekdays!

Cabbage Kofta Curry

Delight your taste buds with crispy cabbage koftas served in a rich, spiced tomato gravy. Ideal for special occasions and guests.

Cabbage Paratha

Stuff whole wheat flatbreads with spiced cabbage filling. These parathas are great for breakfast or lunch and can be enjoyed with pickle and yogurt.

South Indian Cabbage Poriyal

A dry vegetable side dish with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. This poriyal complements dosa and idli perfectly.

Cabbage and Peas Curry

A mildly spiced curry combining cabbage and green peas with aromatic Indian spices. Delicious with roti or rice.

Conclusion

Cabbage is more than just a humble vegetable in Indian cuisine; it’s a canvas for vibrant spices and textures that bring warmth and nutrition to your plate. Whether you choose the simplicity of a dry sabzi or the indulgence of kofta curry, cabbage dishes offer something for every palate and occasion.

Their minimal ingredient list and straightforward preparation make them accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Plus, with the added health benefits of cabbage, these recipes are a fantastic way to nourish yourself and your family.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the tips and variations shared here, and explore other Indian vegetable delights like Muthiya Kadhi or warming lentil dishes. Happy cooking, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cabbage dishes!

📖 Recipe Card: Cabbage Dishes – Veg Recipes of India

Description: A collection of flavorful Indian vegetarian cabbage recipes that are simple and nutritious. These dishes blend spices and fresh cabbage to create delicious meals.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cabbage (about 500g), shredded
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
  2. Add chopped green chili, grated ginger, and asafoetida; sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add shredded cabbage and mix well.
  4. Sprinkle turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt.
  5. Cook covered on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Marta K

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