This stewed cabbage recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of butter, the earthiness of cabbage, and the tanginess of stewed tomatoes. It’s a great side dish to accompany meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Here’s a more detailed guide to making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup butter (for sautéing)
- 2 onions, chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
- 1 stalk celery, chopped (adds crunch and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped (for aromatic depth)
- 1 medium head cabbage, cut into squares (main ingredient)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid (adds acidity and moisture)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning)
Directions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. The butter will give the dish a rich base and help to cook the vegetables evenly.
- Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and celery to the pan. Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft, and the celery has started to soften. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and the mild flavor of the celery.
- Add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the Cabbage:
- Next, stir in the chopped cabbage. You’ll want to break the cabbage into bite-sized squares or chunks, as this will help it cook evenly. Cabbage is the star of this dish, and as it cooks, it will shrink down significantly, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage cook down for about 15 minutes. During this time, it will soften and start to release its juices, blending with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Pour the can of stewed tomatoes into the pan, making sure to include all the liquid from the can. The liquid from the tomatoes will help to create a flavorful broth, allowing the cabbage to stew properly.
- Stir everything together so that the cabbage and tomatoes are well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings if you like, such as a pinch of paprika, thyme, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
- Simmer Until Tender:
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the cabbage doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- The cabbage will gradually become tender as it stews in the tomato broth. After 30 minutes, check for tenderness. If you like your cabbage softer, you can let it cook a little longer. The dish should have a lovely, rich texture, and the cabbage should be soft, almost melting in your mouth.
- Final Taste and Adjustments:
- Once the cabbage is tender, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you feel it needs more salt or pepper, feel free to add it. If the dish is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let the stewed cabbage sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes. You can also serve it as a stand-alone dish with a piece of crusty bread.
This stewed cabbage dish is simple to make but packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, savory goodness, and a touch of tanginess from the tomatoes. It’s a great way to enjoy cabbage, turning it into a tender, flavorful side dish that everyone will love.