Sautéed Fresh Cabbage with Tomato Sauce

This delightful dish combines the freshness of cabbage with the rich, savory flavors of tomato sauce. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that's perfect for those who appreciate comforting, homemade meals. The cabbage is tenderized in a buttery sauté, which enhances its natural sweetness, while the tomato sauce adds a satisfying tang. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also healthy, providing a good amount of fiber and vitamins. It's a versatile recipe, allowing for various adaptations to suit different dietary preferences. Ideal as a main course or a side, it pairs beautifully with boiled potatoes or crusty bread. Furthermore, the preparation is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy cabbage in a new, exciting form. Best of all, it's a great way to use up any extra cabbage you might have on hand.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g fresh cabbage
25 g tomato paste
15 g butter
10 g onion

Sauces & Spices

5 g wheat flour
Water or broth
Salt, to taste

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Onion: Start by finely chopping the onion. This adds a base flavor to the dish.
Heat the Butter: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter should be foamy but not brown.
Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
Prepare the Cabbage: While the onions are cooking, rinse the cabbage thoroughly. Shred it into thin strips.
Add the Cabbage: Once the onions are ready, stir in the shredded cabbage.
Add Liquid: Pour in enough boiling water or broth to just cover the cabbage. This will help the cabbage soften as it cooks.
Cook the Cabbage: Allow the cabbage to simmer. Cover the pan and cook until the cabbage is almost tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Mix Flour and Water: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of cold water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste to the cabbage.
Incorporate the Flour Mixture: Slowly add the flour mixture to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Season with Salt: Add salt to your taste preference.
Sauté Continuously: Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld, and the sauce thickens.
Final Touches: Remove from heat. Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.
Serve the Dish: For a finishing touch, incorporate a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
Pair with Sides: Enjoy with freshly boiled potatoes.

Tips

Substitution: For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or margarine.
Enhance Flavor: Add garlic or spices like paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour mixed in cold water.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Protein: 3 g
Fats: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g

Variations

Spicy Touch: Add a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with boiled potatoes or a hearty grain like quinoa to make it a complete meal.
Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant twist.

Best Places

Le Cabbage Bistro - Offers a fresh twist on cabbage dishes. Location: 123 Main St, Paris, France.
Green Leafy Café - Known for its organic ingredients and cozy atmosphere. Location: 456 Sunshine Ave, Sydney, Australia.
Cabbage Kitchen - Features a range of cabbage-based entrees. Location: 789 Spruce St, Vancouver, Canada.
Tomato Farmhouse - Explores the tomato's potential in various recipes. Location: 101 Orchard Rd, Dublin, Ireland.
Butter & Spice - Delicious cabbage dishes with bold flavors. Location: 234 Spice Rd, New Delhi, India.
Herbal Cabbage Bar - Offers cabbage dishes with herbal infusions. Location: 345 Herb Ln, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cabbage & Co. - A trendy spot for cabbage lovers. Location: 678 Veggie St, Berlin, Germany.
Sautéed & Simmered - Delicious fare with a focus on sautéed vegetables. Location: 910 Simmer St, Tokyo, Japan.
Cabbage Twist - Unique cabbage preparations in elegant surroundings. Location: 111 Twist Rd, New York, USA.
The Old Tomato - A rustic space renowned for tomato-inspired recipes. Location: 212 Country Ln, Rome, Italy.