Braised Cabbage Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and wholesome vegetarian side dish, look no further than this delightful braised cabbage recipe. Braising cabbage gently infuses the vegetable with aromatic herbs, savory spices, and a touch of acidity, creating a tender and deeply satisfying dish that can complement a wide range of meals.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe brings out the best in humble cabbage, transforming it into a star ingredient that’s packed with nutrition and taste.

This braised cabbage recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and works well as a standalone dish or a hearty accompaniment. Plus, it’s totally vegetarian and can be adapted for vegan diets with just a few swaps.

With its beautiful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Braising is a fantastic cooking method that softens the cabbage while allowing the flavors of the broth, herbs, and spices to meld beautifully.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with different herbs or additional vegetables to suit your taste.

It’s a nutrient-packed vegetarian option, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it perfect for a health-conscious lifestyle.

Best of all, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from grains to plant-based proteins, offering a comforting and hearty side.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and sliced into 1-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional but recommended for authentic flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving dish or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if damaged, then cut it into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into approximately 1-inch wide strips and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add cabbage to the pot: Add the sliced cabbage and toss everything together to combine. The cabbage will start to soften and reduce in volume.
5. Deglaze and season: Pour in the vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the cabbage and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Braise the cabbage: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the cabbage cook gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
7. Finish and adjust seasoning: After the cabbage is tender and flavorful, remove the lid and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Transfer the braised cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari instead of salt during the final seasoning.

Want to add some heat? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and spices.

For extra texture, sprinkle toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top just before serving.

Consider mixing in other veggies such as sliced carrots or diced potatoes during the braising process for a heartier dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This braised cabbage is a stellar side dish for any vegetarian or vegan meal. It pairs beautifully with hearty grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice.

For a protein boost, try serving it alongside roasted chickpeas or lentil patties. It also complements dishes like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta plate with a green vegetable balance.

For a cozy dinner, serve it with mashed potatoes and a rich mushroom gravy or alongside your favorite vegan sausage.

Conclusion

This braised cabbage recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can become something truly special. The slow, gentle cooking method enhances the natural sweetness of cabbage, while the vinegar and spices add layers of complexity.

Whether you’re a vegetarian veteran or just looking to add more plant-based dishes to your repertoire, this recipe is both approachable and delicious.

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cabbage beyond the usual raw slaws or boiled sides, offering a warm, comforting dish perfect for any season. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough to invite creativity with your favorite flavors and ingredients.

Give it a try, and you might just find a new classic to turn to time and time again.

For more delicious vegetarian inspiration, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth with this amazing Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. And if you love savory, don’t miss the Cheese Penny Recipe, which pairs wonderfully with vegetable sides like this braised cabbage.

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