Sautéed fresh cabbage - vegan

Sautéed Fresh Cabbage - Vegan

Who doesn’t love the aroma of fresh sautéed cabbage, enriched with golden onions and aromatic spices? This simple sautéed cabbage recipe is perfect for fasting days, but also for any moment when you want to enjoy a healthy and delicious dish. I will share with you the necessary steps to achieve a perfect result, along with some useful tips and variations you can try.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 medium cabbages (approximately 1 kg)
- 3-4 medium onions
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable stew or broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 50 ml olive oil or sunflower oil

A brief history of sautéed cabbage:
Sautéed cabbage is a traditional dish in many cultures, being a hearty and accessible meal. It is often associated with winter meals when fresh vegetables are harder to find, but cabbage retains its freshness and flavor. This vegan recipe is an excellent choice to celebrate the simple yet satisfying flavors of traditional cuisine.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by cleaning the cabbage. Cut off the core and remove the first leaves, then slice the cabbage into thin strips. This step is essential as it ensures even cooking. After cutting, place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle a little salt, gently rubbing it with your hands. This process will help soften the leaves and enhance the aroma.

2. Sautéing the onions: In a large skillet, add the olive oil or sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden. This will be the moment when the aroma of the onion begins to fill the kitchen, setting the stage for the rest of the ingredients.

3. Adding the vegetable stew: Once the onion is golden, add the 3 tablespoons of vegetable stew or broth. Mix well to combine the flavors and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step enriches the dish with a note of flavor and color.

4. Incorporating the cabbage: After the stew has thickened slightly, add the sautéed cabbage over the onions. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Boiling the cabbage: After 10 minutes, add a glass of water. Cover the skillet again and let the cabbage boil well. Check the consistency periodically and, if necessary, add more water to achieve the desired texture. This step will help the flavors penetrate and ensure even cooking of the cabbage.

6. Seasoning: Once the cabbage is well boiled, add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. The freshly chopped dill is added at the end to preserve its vibrant aroma. Gently mix and let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving: Once the cabbage is ready, serve it warm alongside fresh polenta and hot peppers for an extra flavor boost. Combining these elements will transform the meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can include a few diced carrots or a tablespoon of brown sugar while sautéing the onions.
- You can also use sauerkraut for a different flavor, but you will need to adjust the amount of salt.
- If you don’t have vegetable stew, you can use tomato sauce or even tomato paste, but make sure to adjust the amount of water added.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, red cabbage will add a beautiful color to the dish, and the taste will be similar.

2. How can the recipe be adjusted for vegans?
The recipe is already vegan, but you can opt for olive oil for a richer flavor.

3. Is it possible to prepare the cabbage in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it in a covered dish, adding water and the desired spices. Cooking will take about an hour at 180°C.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, making it an excellent ally for the immune system. It is low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain their weight. It also contains fiber, which aids digestion.

Ideal pairings:
This sautéed cabbage pairs wonderfully with warm polenta and hot peppers, but it can also be served alongside a fresh tomato and onion salad.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different spices, such as cumin or paprika, or you can add diced potatoes to make the dish more substantial.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy your meal and savor every bite of sautéed fresh cabbage!