Cabbage is one of the unsung heroes in the kitchen. You might not think too much about it, but adding cabbage to your diet is proven to be beneficial to your health. It is low in fat and high in fiber, which is good for people who want to lose some weight. It is also rich in vitamin K and anthocyanins, which can help with concentration and mental function. Cabbage can also help dry up oily and acne-prone skin due to its high sulfur content. Its vitamin C content is also very high which helps in making your immune system strong.
Let’s face it, not everyone loves cabbage but there are recipes you can do to make you enjoy eating it. You can try these healthy recipes to help you include cabbage in your diet.
Cabbage Soup
It is a light and healthy recipe that makes a perfect starter or even main course for your family dinner.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground fennel
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small cabbage or ½ large cabbage, sliced
½ teaspoon salt (if unsalted stock is used)
1 can whole peeled tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil on medium fire. Add chopped onions and stir in coriander, fennel and cumin. Cook until onions have softened.
- Add sliced cabbage and stir to mix with the onions. If your stock is unsalted, add the salt. Then add the peeled tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cabbaged is thoroughly cooked.
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to serve.
Light and Creamy Coleslaw
This easy recipe is creamy but low in fat, which you will love.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons cottage cheese (1% milkfat)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (reduced-fat)
2 tablespoons vinegar (white wine variety)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups of shredded green or red cabbage
1 cup trimmed snow peas and sliced on an angle
1 peeled jicama and cut to matchsticks
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Puree the cottage cheese, vinegar, mayonnaise, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a blender until you get a smooth consistency.
- Combine all the sauce with the other remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to evenly mix.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Stuffed cabbage rolls
This dish can satisfy your hunger but is healthy at the same time.
Ingredients
1-pound lean ground beef
2 cups precooked brown rice with 1 tablespoon margarine
1 large egg
26-ounce can spaghetti sauce
1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ large cabbage
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
¼ cup water
Instructions
- Peel off 12 leaves of cabbage, while keeping each leaf intact. Put them in a pot of boiling water and wait for them to start to soften. Carefully take out the cabbage from the water. Discard the water and set aside.
- Mix rice, ground beef, egg, ½ cup spaghetti sauce, and seasonings together.
- Place 1 cabbage leaf on a plate then put 2 tablespoons beef mixture into the center of the leaf, and roll up the cabbage. Place 2 toothpicks in each roll. Repeat this with all the cabbage leaves.
- Add the oil and ½ cup of spaghetti sauce in a large pot. Place the cabbage rolls in the pot, and pour the remaining spaghetti sauce. Add ¼ cup water, and cover the pot and let it simmer over medium to low flame until cooked.
Asian Cabbage Salad
This is a complete meal packed with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
For the salad:
3 cups napa cabbage, chopped
1 cup red cabbage, chopped
½ cup carrots, grated
½ cup orange bell peppers, sliced
½ cup cucumber with peel, sliced
1/8 cup almonds
6 oz. cooked chicken breast, diced
For the dressing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
Instructions
- Toss all the salad ingredients together.
- Prepare the dressing by combining honey and vinegar together then slowly add the oils and whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Toss the salad with the dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste
These recipes can definitely make your dinner much more interesting. Scrumptious and healthy cabbage dishes you will surely enjoy with your family and friends. Cabbage is a versatile ingredient you can put on anything. You can also experiment on different cabbage recipes and add your personal touch to make it more appealing to you and your loved ones. One thing is for sure, cabbage is definitely more than a mere coleslaw.