Food, Tips

What Main Dish Goes with Cabbage? Ideas and Recipes

Nothing beats the satisfaction of digging into a hearty, home-cooked meal, especially during the cooler months. But what main dish goes with cabbage? The classic pairing is corned beef and cabbage, an American-Irish favorite. Combining a fat-rich protein source, like corned beef, with this brightly-colored vegetable, creates a dish that is both healthy and delicious.

One of the simplest, yet most fulfilling recipes is slow-cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage. To make this dish, start by preparing a large corned beef brisket and place it in the crock pot. Then, add whole potatoes, a large onion quartered, and a few cloves of garlic. Top it all off with a head of cabbage. Pour a cup of beef broth over the vegetables, then set the slow cooker for four to five hours on low heat.

Another classic cabbage and beef dish is the classic American favorite, Colcannon. To make this dish, start by boiling potatoes and cabbage in a large pot. When they are tender and cooked through, drain the vegetables and mash them together in a large bowl. Once mashed, incorporate a half a cup of butter, cream, and chopped onions. Serve the dish hot, sprinkled with a tad bit of nutmeg, for a delicious old-fashioned favorite.

If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting, try Cabbage and Sausage. Start by sautéing chopped onion, garlic, and andouille sausage until the sausage is cooked through and the onions soft. Then, add your sliced cabbage to the pan and “sauté” until tender. For added flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or beer. You’ll end up with a tasty dinner that is filling, flavorful, and just a bit unique.

Another dish with global influence is Chinese Cabbage Soup. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a bit of sesame oil. Then, add chicken or vegetable broth, along with cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Finally, season with a bit of soy sauce and rice vinegar for an authentic Asian flavor.

But also, here is the full list of best combinations for Cabbage:

  • Cabbage and Sausage Soup – A hearty combination of cabbage, sausage, and potatoes in a savory broth.
  • Cabbage and Beef Burrito – A flavorful, filling burrito chock-full of ground beef, cabbage, onion, garlic, and your favorite Mexicanish seasonings.
  • Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – A classic casserole of cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, layered with shredded cabbage, and baked until golden and bubbling.
  • Cabbage, Bacon, and Apple Salad – An unusual, but delicious combination of crisp shredded cabbage, bacon, apples, red onion, and toasted walnuts.
  • Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry – A quick and easy stir-fry of bacon, cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
  • Potato, Cabbage, and Kielbasa Soup – A classic Polish combination of kielbasa, potatoes, and cabbage simmered in a savory broth.
  • Polish Hunter’s Stew (Bigos) – A robust stew of cabbage, kielbasa, mushrooms, and other vegetables and seasonings, perfect for cold winter nights.
  • Braised Cabbage and Sausage – A comforting combination of sausage links and cabbage simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
  • Chinese Hot and Sour Soup – An incredibly flavorful soup of tofu, mushrooms, and shredded cabbage in a spicy, tangy broth.
  • Cabbage, Potato and Cheese Pierogi – A comforting cheesy pierogi filling of potatoes and cabbage, encased in a tender dough and boiled to perfection.

No matter what type of dinner you are in the mood for, cabbage is an incredibly versatile food and pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes. From classic to international flavors, these recipes are easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends. If you were curious is gatorade gluten free, check our article, it’s finally answered!

Best way to cook Cabbage (at home)

No way around it – cabbage is a tough vegetable to cook. Many people love it for its crunchy texture and robust flavor, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, cabbage can end up soggy, watery, or even burnt.

The most important thing to know when cooking cabbage is that there’s no one “right’ way that fits everyone. Different households have different tastes in terms of taste and texture, so it’s worth experimenting to find the right style of cabbage cooking for you.

One of the most popular and cheapest ways to cook cabbage is to boil it. Boiling cabbage is a great option if you want to preserve the crunchy texture. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cabbage, making sure the water is still boiling. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the cabbage is tender to the fork – you don’t want it to be overly soggy. Once it’s cooked, strain it and enjoy!

If boiling isn’t to your taste, there are several other methods to consider. Roasting cabbage is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness. Cut your cabbage into wedges and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then roast at 350F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. This method is ideal for those who want to bring out the cabbage’s flavor without the watery texture.

Steaming cabbage is another great option to get that crunchy texture without the extra water. Start by filling a large steamer basket with cabbage. Steam over boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is bright green and crisp-tender.

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, try sautéing your cabbage. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage and toss to coat. When the cabbage is starting to soften, add a minced garlic clove. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the cabbage is tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant. Some time ago cabbage was used in sushi, that can make them less expensive sushi option.

Finally, don’t forget about the classic – cabbage soup! Start by browning a large onion and some garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the cabbage and sauté for a few minutes. Pour in enough vegetable or chicken broth to cover the cabbage, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. That’s it!

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