Caramelized Cabbage – A Bold, Satisfying, and Surprisingly Indulgent Main Dish
- Eliane Muskus
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Deeply caramelized, rich with Mediterranean flavors, and perfectly paired with creamy cauliflower purée—this dish proves that healthy food can be both nourishing and indulgent. A diabetes-friendly meal loved by all!
A Recipe That Changed the Way I See Cabbage
There are dishes that surprise you, that make you pause after the first bite and wonder, How is something this simple so incredibly flavorful? This Caramelized Cabbage is one of those dishes.
I first made this recipe a while ago out of curiosity, not expecting much. But the moment I tasted it—deeply roasted, spiced just right, and meltingly tender—I knew it was something special. I’ve served this dish to friends, family, and even guests who weren’t the biggest fans of cabbage, and the response is always the same: "Wow, I never knew cabbage could taste this good!"
If you think of cabbage as just another vegetable on the plate, this recipe will change your mind. This is not a side dish. It’s a full, satisfying main course—rich in flavor, naturally sweet from caramelization, and comforting in a way that feels almost indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Deep, complex flavors – Slow-roasted for a naturally rich, caramelized taste.
✔ A complete, nourishing meal – Serve as a main dish with purées, grains, or bread.
✔ Diabetes-friendly but loved by all – No sugar, no refined carbs, just bold, satisfying flavors.
✔ Oven-roasted or stovetop-braised – Flexible cooking options based on your preference.
Recipe
Ingredients:
¼ cup tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, finely grated
1½ tsp. ground coriander
1½ tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 medium head of savoy cabbage (about 2 lb.)
½ cup olive oil, divided
Salt to taste
3 Tbsp. chopped dill, parsley, or cilantro
Full-fat Greek yogurt (10%) sour cream, or crème fraîche (for serving)
Preparation:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 175°C/350°F /155°Fan In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, garlic, coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
2️⃣ Cut the cabbage into wedges: Slice it in half through the core, then cut each half into 4 wedges.
3️⃣ Sear for deeper flavor: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cabbage wedges cut-side down, season with salt, and cook for about 4 minutes per side until lightly charred. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4️⃣ Build the sauce: Pour the remaining ¼ cup olive oil into the skillet. Stir in the spiced tomato paste and cook over medium heat until it darkens and the oil begins to separate (about 2–3 minutes).
5️⃣ Braise the cabbage: Pour 1½ cups of water into the pan, season with salt, and bring to a simmer. Nestle the cabbage wedges back into the skillet (it’s okay if they overlap slightly).
6️⃣ Roast until caramelized: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, turning the wedges halfway through. The cabbage should be tender, golden, and deeply caramelized.
7️⃣ Garnish & serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the cabbage and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
How to Serve It as a Main Dish
This dish is rich and satisfying enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with:
🥄 Silky cauliflower purée – The creamy texture complements the spiced cabbage beautifully.
🌾 A bed of warm quinoa or lentils – Adds plant-based protein and makes the meal extra nourishing.
🥖 Crusty sourdough bread – Perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.
🥜 Toasted nuts or crispy chickpeas – A crunchy topping that adds extra depth and texture.
Why This Dish Works for Everyone
💡 Diabetes-Friendly & Low-Carb – Naturally sweet from caramelization, without added sugar.
🍽 A Complete Meal – No need for meat; this dish stands on its own as a nourishing main course.
🌿 Rich Mediterranean Flavors – The blend of spices, tomato, and olive oil creates a deep, satisfying taste.
📌 Try it tonight and see why it’s a favorite!
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