There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty stew, especially when it’s packed full of fresh, vibrant vegetables. For vegetarians and those looking to cut back on meat, cabbage stew offers a delicious, wholesome option that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavor.
Cabbage, with its mild sweetness and satisfying texture, pairs beautifully with a variety of other vegetables, beans, and spices to create a stew that’s perfect for any season.
Whether you want a simple rustic cabbage stew or one with a spicy twist, this blog post will guide you through the best vegetarian cabbage stew recipes that you can easily whip up at home. These recipes are nutritious, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, so you can customize them to suit your taste. Let’s dive into these delightful cabbage stew recipes that will quickly become staples in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetarian cabbage stew is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. It’s:
- Loaded with fiber-rich cabbage and other vegetables that support digestion and provide essential vitamins.
- Simple to prepare with pantry staples and fresh produce, making it budget-friendly.
- Highly customizable – you can add beans, lentils, or tofu for extra protein, or spice it up with chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- A one-pot meal that’s easy to clean up after, ideal for busy weeknights.
- A great way to enjoy a hearty, warming dish without any meat, suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.
With these recipes, you’ll enjoy a stew that is both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage (green or savoy) | 1 medium head (about 6 cups chopped) | Fresh and crisp |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced | For sweetness and texture |
| Onion | 1 large, chopped | Yellow or white |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Enhances flavor |
| Potatoes | 2 medium, peeled and cubed | Optional but adds heartiness |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14 oz) | Provides acidity and depth |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | Use low sodium if preferred |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Adds aromatic flavor |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Optional, for smoky flavor |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for heat |
| Fresh parsley or dill | 2 tablespoons, chopped | For garnish |
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: Blender or immersion blender (if you prefer a smooth stew)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes. Keep everything ready before starting to cook.
- Heat olive oil: Place your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots and potatoes: Toss in the diced carrots and potatoes. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes to start softening the vegetables.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Add the chopped cabbage and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together.
- Pour in broth and add bay leaves: Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture and add the bay leaves. Bring the stew to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are tender.
- Season: Remove bay leaves, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasoning as needed.
- Optional blending: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the stew.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra protein boost, add cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.”
- Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip any dairy toppings. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spice it up: Include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of curry powder for a new flavor profile.
- Try different cabbages: Savoy cabbage offers a milder taste, while red cabbage adds beautiful color and a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Vitamin C | 65% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian cabbage stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Try it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or warm pita for dipping.
A side of steamed rice or quinoa can also bulk up the meal if you want additional carbs.
For a more indulgent touch, drizzle some good quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream (or vegan sour cream) on top. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Pair this stew with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete vegetarian dinner. If you’re interested in other comforting dishes, you might enjoy the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
Best Vegetarian Cabbage Stew Recipes
Classic Hearty Cabbage and Potato Stew
This is the base recipe described above – a simple, filling stew with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for beginners and is incredibly forgiving.
The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the dish.
Lentil and Cabbage Stew
Add 1 cup of rinsed brown or green lentils to the classic stew. Add the lentils along with the broth and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
This variation packs a punch of protein and makes the stew even more satisfying.
Spicy Cabbage and Chickpea Stew
Use chickpeas instead of potatoes and increase the red chili flakes to 1 teaspoon. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and coriander for an earthy warmth.
This stew is perfect for those who like a bit of heat and Middle Eastern flavors.
Creamy Coconut Cabbage Stew
Replace half the vegetable broth with 1 cup of coconut milk. Add curry powder (1 tablespoon) and turmeric (1 teaspoon) along with the other spices.
This version is rich and creamy, with a lovely exotic twist.
Mushroom and Cabbage Stew
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake) to the base recipe. Sauté mushrooms along with the onion for extra umami flavor.
This hearty stew is reminiscent of the Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe and perfect for mushroom lovers.
Tomato Basil Cabbage Stew
Increase the diced tomatoes to 2 cans and add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil at the end of cooking. Omit smoked paprika and chili flakes for a fresh, Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Serve with crusty bread or over polenta.
Conclusion
Vegetarian cabbage stew is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both comfort and nutrition in one pot. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with lentils, chickpeas, or coconut milk, each variation brings a unique flavor and texture that’s sure to satisfy.
These recipes are easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for meal prepping. Plus, cabbage is an affordable vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber, making this stew a healthy choice for your family.
For more hearty and tasty recipes, be sure to check out the Chicken Shawarma Trader Joe’S Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert inspiration.
Give these best vegetarian cabbage stew recipes a try, and enjoy the warmth and goodness they bring to your table!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Cabbage Stew
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian cabbage stew packed with vegetables and spices. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked white beans (optional for protein)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- If using, stir in cooked white beans and heat through for 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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