Cabbage is often a forgotten vegetable, often relegated to bland side dishes or used as a topping for salads. But with this easy hybrid cooking method, cabbage is transformed into a delicious and tender delight that will have your taste buds rejoicing. The wedges are seared to perfection and then oven-braised, resulting in silky leaves with caramelized edges. And the best part? The braising liquid is turned into a mouthwatering buttery honey-mustard sauce that is drizzled over the finished dish. Get ready to experience a whole new level of cabbage!
First, let’s talk about the cooking method that takes this humble vegetable to the next level. By combining stovetop and oven cooking, we are able to achieve a multi-dimensional flavor and texture in the cabbage. The searing process enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the braising allows the flavors to develop and the leaves to become tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This technique is simple yet game-changing, and once you try it, you’ll never want to cook cabbage any other way.
To start, remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into wedges, leaving the core intact to hold the wedges together. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the cabbage wedges in the pan, cut side down. Let them sear for about 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and slightly charred. This searing process intensifies the flavor and creates a beautiful caramelization on the edges of the cabbage.
Next, it’s time to braise the cabbage. Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth, enough to cover about half of the wedges. You can also use water if you don’t have broth on hand. Season the cabbage with salt and pepper, and then cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the pan to a preheated 375°F oven and let it braise for about 20 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will soften and absorb the flavors of the broth, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Now for the magic sauce. Once the cabbage is finished braising, remove it from the oven and transfer the wedges to a serving dish. Don’t worry if the cabbage seems a bit dry at this point, we will fix that with the sauce. In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter, a tablespoon of honey, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Then, pour the sauce over the cabbage, making sure to coat each wedge evenly.
And just like that, you have a beautiful and delicious dish that will impress anyone who tries it. The cabbage wedges are now perfectly tender and infused with a delectable flavor, while the sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Serve this as a side dish with your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a main course with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
But why stop at just this one dish? You can easily adapt this cooking method to other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or even root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly and experiment with different seasonings and sauces. The possibilities are endless!
In addition to its mouthwatering flavor, cabbage also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and K, and is low in calories. It’s a great addition to any healthy and balanced diet, and with this cooking method, it will surely become a new favorite in your household.
In conclusion, cabbage is a versatile and underrated vegetable that deserves a spot on your dinner table. With this easy hybrid cooking method, it is transformed into a meltingly tender delight that will have you coming back for seconds. The searing and braising process infuses the cabbage with amazing flavor, and the quick and delicious sauce takes it to another level. Don’t miss out on this game-changing cooking method and give it a try tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
