One-Pot Vegan Braised Cabbage – Easy Comfort Food

Braised cabbage is a classic dish loved for its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavor. It’s perfect for a weekday dinner or as a side dish to complement other meals. The recipe for braised cabbage can be easily adapted to individual tastes, and its preparation process doesn’t take much time or effort.

Ingredients for Braised Cabbage:

For the basic recipe, you will need:

• 1 medium head of white cabbage (about 1 kg)
• 1–2 onions
• 1–2 carrots
• 2–3 fresh tomatoes or 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bay leaves, herbs, and spices (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Braised Cabbage:

1. Preparing the Vegetables:
   • Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, rinse it, and slice it thinly.
     
   • Dice the onion and grate the carrots coarsely.
     
     
   • If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water, peel off the skin, and chop them finely.
2. Sautéing the Ingredients:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot.
   • Sauté the onion until golden, then add the grated carrots. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
     
     
3. Adding the Cabbage:
   • Add the sliced cabbage to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and cook on medium heat until the cabbage shrinks in volume.
     
4. Adding Tomatoes and Spices:
   • Add the chopped tomatoes or diluted tomato paste to the cabbage mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.
     
   • Cover and continue cooking.
5. Braised Cooking:
   • Let the cabbage simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it starts to stick, add a bit of water or vegetable broth.
     
6. Finishing Touches:
   • At the end of cooking, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for fragrance. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
     

Tips for Cooking Braised Cabbage:

1. Choosing the Cabbage:
   • Both young and winter cabbage work well for braising. Young cabbage cooks faster and is softer, while winter cabbage maintains its firmness and offers a richer flavor.
2. Tomato Alternatives:
   • If you’re not fond of the tomato taste, you can replace them with sour cream or cream for a creamy texture and milder flavor.
3. Additional Ingredients:
   • To diversify the flavor, you can add mushrooms, sweet peppers, or finely chopped garlic. For a heartier dish, you can include sausage, bacon, or pieces of chicken.
4. Ideal Cookware:
   • The best cookware for braising is a skillet with high sides, a saucepan, or a cast-iron pot. These types of cookware distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
5. Spices and Herbs:
   • Enhance the flavor by adding coriander, cumin, or a touch of smoked paprika.

Nutritional Value of Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage is a low-calorie dish, making it an ideal option for those on restricted diets or aiming to lose weight. The nutritional value can vary depending on added ingredients like oil, meat, potatoes, or tomato paste.

Factors Affecting Caloric Content:

1. Oil: The amount of vegetable oil plays a key role in the calorie content. The less oil used, the lower the calorie count.
2. Added Ingredients: Ingredients like meat, potatoes, or mushrooms contribute to the dish’s nutritional value but can make it more filling.
3. Tomato Paste: While using tomatoes doesn’t significantly reduce the calorie content, it adds a rich flavor to the dish.

Tips for Controlling Caloric Content:

• Use minimal oil, or replace it with water or vegetable broth.
• Add more calorie-dense ingredients like mildly spicy peppers or zucchini.
• For the lightest version, skip calorie-heavy additions like sour cream or meat.

Benefits of Braised Cabbage:

Braised cabbage is not only tasty but also highly beneficial. Here’s why it should be included in your diet:

1. Rich Source of Fiber
   Cabbage is high in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Vitamin C for Health
   Even after cooking, cabbage retains some vitamin C, which is important for skin health and helps the body manage stress.
3. Antioxidants
   Cabbage is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and glucosinolates, which protect cells from damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Beneficial Minerals
   Braised cabbage contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are vital for the proper functioning of the body.

Braised cabbage is a healthy, low-calorie dish that provides essential nutrients, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.