Suspiciously Delicious Creamed Cabbage Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: fiveandspice

November5,2010

4.4

55 Ratings

  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 40 minutes
  • Serves 4-6

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Author Notes

I cook a lot of cabbage during the winter months–there aren't too many other options for greens if you're trying hard to go with local produce! Most often I cook traditional recipes I learned from my mom, but you've got to switch it up sometimes. This was an experiment based very, very loosely off of a kale recipe I was intrigued by (though looking back at the kale recipe now, it's actually totally different, oh well). When we were eating it with dinner my husband exclaimed, "what did you put in this cabbage?! It's suspiciously delicious. Is it actually meat or something?" No meat involved though. The cream picks up the browned bits from browning the cabbage as though it were the base for a gravy. It also mellows out the spicy ginger so everything practically melts together. It makes a delicious cold weather side dish, and I bet it would also be lovely tossed with pasta. —fiveandspice

Test Kitchen Notes

"With a recipe title like this one, expectations are bound to be high. Happily, this cabbage is both refined and undeniably delicious–it's the kind of dish that inspires you to keep sneaking forkfuls long past the end of the meal. Fiveandspice has you caramelize the crisp cabbage strands in butter that's been infused with onion, garlic and the key ingredient, fresh ginger. When the cabbage is tender and flecked with tasty brown bits, you add some cream and simmer just long enough for the flavors to meld." –A&M

"In the United States, green cabbage averages at $0.62 per pound, so it’s almost too good to be true that it’s also versatile as heck. You can turn cabbage into soup. Or stuff it with beef and rice. Or pretend it’s pasta. Or you could sauté it.

Sure, this sounds like the humblest option of all, but what this recipe lacks in bells and whistles, it makes up for in simplicity and deliciousness. In fact, it’s so simple and so delicious, some might say the whole thing sounds pretty suspicious.

That’s what husband of longtime Food52er Fiveandspice (known in the real world as Emily Vikre) said when he first tried this dish: 'What did you put in this cabbage?! It's suspiciously delicious. Is it actually meat or something?'

No meat. Just onion, garlic, fresh ginger, butter, and cream. You sauté the alliums first, then add the ginger, then the cabbage. These spend some quality time together for 15 to 20 minutes, only to be deglazed with a big pour of heavy cream, which, as Emily writes, 'picks up the browned bits from browning the cabbage as though it were the base for a gravy. It also mellows out the spicy ginger so everything practically melts together.'

It’s a very welcome side to just about any winter dinner—roast chicken, braised brisket, crispy bratwurst, pan-fried salmon, baked tofu, you name it. Emily’s even added in some leeks and tossed everything with hot pasta. 'It was very savory and rich!' she said.

Sounds like dinner to me." –Emma Laperruque

—The Editors

  • Test Kitchen-Approved
  • Your Best Vegetarian Holiday Side Contest Finalist

What You'll Need

Watch This Recipe

Suspiciously Delicious CreamedCabbage

Ingredients
  • 1 medium green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon(heaping) grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoonsbutter
  • 3/4 cupheavy cream
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
  1. In a very large pan, heat the butter over medium heat until it is melted and starting to bubble a little. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
  2. Stir in the ginger and cook for about a minute. Then, add in the cabbage, stirring well to coat it with the butter and other flavors. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage has softened and caramelized.
  3. Turn the heat to low and stir in the cream making sure to scrape any browned bits up from the pan bottom. Cover and cook over low for about 10 minutes. Uncover, add salt and pepper to taste. Then cook for a few more minutes, stirring once or twice, to let some of the liquid evaporate. Adjust seasonings as desired and serve.

Tags:

  • American
  • Vegetable
  • Cabbage
  • Milk/Cream
  • Make Ahead
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Christmas
  • Thanksgiving
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free
  • Side
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Vegetarian Holiday Side

Popular on Food52

236 Reviews

Lisle April 14, 2023

I made this dish last night. It was delish! Cooking for one, I quartered the recipe, which, I think, made it an easier dish to prepare. I did use olive oil instead of butter. I'll be making this again, hopefully for guests.

Ro R. January 15, 2023

Hmm. I'm not sure if me deglazing the pan with a bit of vermouth wrecked this (?), but this one was just meh for us. I usually just fry cabbage in butter and season, and this was not an improvement on that.

Tracy November 23, 2022

I made this recipe for my vegan niece. It’s delicious! I subbed in vegetable oil and coconut cream for butter and cream. Thank you!

Diane January 18, 2022

I’m not a big cabbage fan, but this is amazing. Easy enough for a weeknight and interesting enough for a winter dinner party. Luxurious!

Patricia January 6, 2022

This dish is delicious and my husband loved it too! It's a keeper in our home.

Violetsnake November 12, 2021

Cabbage is underrated and under appreciated. I don't often cook it, but this dish has me changing my mind. It's a great and inexpensive fall vegetable. I'll also give some of the other suggestions a try.

shirar August 25, 2021

Can I use coconut cream in place of heavy cream?

VikingAndCakes April 10, 2021

This is so freaking delicious and my low go-to cabbage recipe. Even my S.O. who doesn’t like cabbage loves this one. I don’t always add the ginger and it’s still gorgeous. Thank you for this easy, yet impactful recipe.

msmess December 5, 2020

Delicious! Lovely way to use a cabbage--though unless you're serving it as a smaller side, I'd say it serves more like 2-4 hungry adults. After reading others' reviews, I upped the ginger quite a bit and used half and half instead of heavy cream. I also mixed in a can of garbanzo beans as the cabbage was finishing up for a bit more heft. Also like a few other reviewers, I noticed it was missing a bit of zip as I was finishing up, so I added a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and that really brought it together (I think it made the ginger sing a little more). I can't wait to try some of the variations others have mentioned here!

Miruna.P.Burk September 26, 2020

My family and I had high expectations for this dish and I followed the recipe exactly. It was good, but I think we were expecting a lot more based on the name, the reviews and the description. While tasty, it was not good enough that I will be making it again.

cookinalong September 20, 2020

I've made this so many times, I've lost count! It's wonderful as written, but when I found myself with cabbage in the fridge and no heavy cream, I discovered coconut milk (regular, not low fat!) also works perfectly and with a bit of curry powder or just some turmeric, it's wonderful in a whole new way! Also, double the ginger. You won't regret it!

Lara Y. June 1, 2020

We love this recipe. My tip is to use a Dutch oven for much easier stirring.

cookinalong September 20, 2020

Yes! Great idea and so much tidier. With even a big skillet, I found myself cleaning up cabbage threads all over the stove top & floor!

Christine M. May 15, 2020

I have made this recipe numerous times...it is just delicious! I do think the cook times are a bit longer than the recipe states (and I like my vegetables cooked less than most). You can't have too much ginger here. It is the most unimpressive dish to look at. But, it's so good!!!

Jude April 6, 2020

My new fav!! Thank you so much for this recipe. I have never cooked cabbage in my life until I saw the video of the Food52 chef making this dish!! I couldn't wait to try this recipe. This recipe is now in my top favs. Thank you fiveandspice!! The second time I made this I sliced Kale thinly and added it to the last several minutes of cooking. I also added a TB of honey, lemon juice/zest and used way less cream. I also sautéed the onion and garlic in fat from one piece of bacon mixed with some of that butter. I like to use a little bit of red pepper flakes as well. It's fun to experiment with different additions. Oh, I forgot to mention that I used a few splashes of dry white wine to the dish while sautéing.

Jude April 6, 2020

My new fav!! Thank you so much for this recipe. I have never cooked cabbage in my life until I saw the video of the Food52 chef making this dish!! I couldn't wait to try this recipe. This recipe is now in my top favs. Thank you fiveandspice!! The second time I made this I sliced Kale thinly and added it to the last several minutes of cooking. I also added a TB of honey, lemon juice/zest and used way less cream. I also sautéed the onion and garlic in fat from one piece of bacon mixed with some of that butter. I like to use a little bit of red pepper flakes as well. It's fun to experiment with different additions.

neighome March 22, 2020

I've found that I have to really crank the heat for quite a while to get caramelization. But it's worth it. Don't skimp on the ginger. I use 2 Tbls of heavy cream and then broth for the balance of liquid. Works well for me.

Andrea D. March 22, 2020

Well, this is just plain delicious. Even the normally cabbage-eschewing members of my family loved it. Start with butter, end with cream: you can’t really go wrong.

nancy S. March 21, 2020

Just made this tonight.....I'd give it an 8 out of 10. I used 1/4 of a cabbage, 1/2 white onion, 1 garlic clove and 1/2" piece of ginger. Next time I'd up the ginger and garlic. The timings were right....but at the end of it I'd say it lacked a bit of 'zing'.

halfdani February 29, 2020

Made this twice in the same week. The second time over, I added zest and juice from half a lemon. I personally liked it more the 2nd time, as I felt like the acidity made the dish more "fresh" tasting and took the richness from the cream down a notch.
However (!!), my 2 y.o. liked the original version better.
Either way, really liked this recipe.

McMonty February 17, 2020

This was the perfect accompaniment to Beef Stroganoff and my (Russian) dinner guests raved!!

Suspiciously Delicious Creamed Cabbage Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the cabbage's crispiness and nutrients. To steam cabbage, place it in a steamer basket over simmering water and cover with a lid.

Do you put bread soda in cabbage? ›

You don't add baking soda. Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

How do you cook Mary Berry cabbage? ›

Heat the oil and a knob of butter in a deep ovenproof saucepan. Add the onion and cabbage and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the cider and redcurrant jelly, season, bring to the boil and boil for a few minutes. Cover the pan with a lid and place in the oven for 3-4 hours until completely tender.

What is a curly cabbage called? ›

What is Savoy Cabbage? Savoy cabbage, also called curly cabbage, is a leafy vegetable from the cabbage family. The cabbage forms a moderately tight ball of leaves around a head. Savoy cabbage has wrinkly dark green outer leaves that transition to light yellow as they get closer to the thick stem in the center.

How to cook cabbage Jamie Oliver? ›

Wash and drain your cabbage leaves, getting rid of any tough stalks. Add to a large pan of salted boiling water, bring back to the boil then cook on a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain well in a colander and leave to cool. Carefully squeeze the cabbage leaves to get rid of any excess moisture.

How long is smothered cabbage good for? ›

Smothered cabbage is best 3 days after cooking but will remain fresh in an airtight container for 7 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe airtight container for 2 months. Reheat cabbage over medium heat in a pot, covered for 6-8 minutes until hot.

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

What takes the gas out of cabbage? ›

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest. Additionally, try adding caraway seeds or fennel seeds to your cabbage dishes, as these spices are known to help reduce gas.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

What happens when you add lemon juice to cabbage juice? ›

Substances such as lemon juice and vinegar turn the cabbage juice red because they are acidic. Ammonia turns the cabbage juice into a blue/green color because it is a base, a material that tastes bitter and makes an acid neutral. Water does nothing, as it is a neutral.

What does pouring salt into a cabbage do? ›

The salt then draws moisture out of the cabbage's cells through osmosis, forming a salty brine. This brine is important because it submerges the cabbage and deprives the Lactobacillus and other microorganisms of oxygen – the second step!

Why do you soak cabbage in vinegar? ›

Douse the cabbage in vinegar water, if desired.

Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps killing mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.

How to cook cabbage Alton Brown? ›

Directions
  1. Heat the canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the apple to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Increase the heat to high and add the apple juice, caraway seeds, salt, pepper and cabbage to the pan. Cover the pan and shake to toss the cabbage to coat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.

How do you take the bitterness out of cabbage? ›

Chop and soak: Soaking chopped cabbage in cold water for about 15 minutes will leach out most of the bitter and harsh flavor compounds, while also making the cabbage crisper. This is especially vital for leaf cabbage, but also works with firmer head cabbage varieties.

What is the tastiest cabbage? ›

Many people prefer savoy cabbage to regular cabbage because of its milder flavour and tender leaves. This is the perfect cabbage for using raw and thinly sliced in salads, stir-fries, or braised with butter. Savoy cabbage works nicely as a fresh and crunchy wrap – you can substitute it for rice paper or tortillas.

What is the old name for cabbage? ›

Earlier in Middle English it was referred to as caboche (late 14c.). Where did cabbage originate? The cole family -- cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower – is also known by the scientific name, Brassica oleracea, and descends from a common wild ancestor that still exists.

Which cabbage is healthiest? ›

However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

Why do you soak cabbage in cold water? ›

It's an insurance policy for keeping ingredients looking and tasting their best. A bowl of ice water will make your vegetables shine, stay crisp, or even beautifully twist and curl—but it can also transform flavors and be the critical variable that makes the difference between a merely good and an excellent dish.

How do you cook cabbage so it's not bitter? ›

If you want to serve cabbage wedges as a side dish with dinner (corned beef and cabbage, anyone?), heat a large pot of water on the stove on high heat. As it begins to steam, add the wedges. As it approaches the boiling point, the enzymes will be inactivated, so no more pungent, bitter compounds will form.

Can you eat week old cooked cabbage? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

Can you eat cooked cabbage left out overnight? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and safety basics states cooked food can be left at room temperature up to two hours. If the temperature outside (or inside your house) is 90°F or above, you should cut that time in half.

Can you freeze cabbage? ›

For the most efficient freezing, don't over-pack bags, but keep cabbage pieces in a single layer. For best quality, use frozen cabbage within nine to 14 months. Use frozen cabbage as a stand-alone side dish, such as skillet cabbage and onions or stewed cabbage. Or add it to homemade soups and cozy crock pot stews.

How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking? ›

Once people started roasting them at a high heat, perhaps with a little extra salt and fat (like bacon), it was a game-changer. You can also try slicing cabbage thin and sautéing it to maintain some of its crunchy texture.

How long should I boil cabbage for? ›

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

How to get moisture out of cabbage? ›

With the shredded cabbage in a colander, mix in a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage till it's evenly distributed. The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt.

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