Say Goodbye to Frying: A Delicious and Healthy Baked Cabbage Recipe
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been stuck in a cabbage rut. Same here. The endless cycle of boiled, fried, or sautéed…bleh. But listen up, fellow veggie enthusiasts, because there’s a game-changing twist that’ll banish boredom and ignite your taste buds! This recipe isn’t just about cabbage; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, orchestrated by the humble oven and a secret weapon you won’t believe.
Forget the greasy frying pan. We’re baking! Not just baking, but baking in a magical sleeve, creating a self-contained world of juicy goodness. And the secret weapon? Apples! Yes, juicy, sweet apples nestled amongst tender cabbage, savory chicken, and aromatic spices. Sounds crazy, right? But trust me, it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an adventure for your palate. It’s about rediscovering the potential of everyday ingredients, transforming the humble cabbage into a star of the show. It’s about minimal cleanup (thanks, baking sleeve!), maximum flavor, and a dish that’s ready in less than an hour. Intrigued? Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and unveil the secrets of baked cabbage bliss!
Ingredients
- 1 head of white cabbage (800g), shredded
- 1 carrot (140g), grated or diced
- 1 onion (70-100g), diced
- 3 apples (350-380g), thinly sliced (unpeeled)
- 1 chicken fillet (350g), cut into bite-sized pieces (You can substitute with turkey, pork, or beef.)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/3 – 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Baking sleeve
Instructions
- Prep the cabbage: Shred the cabbage by hand, using a grater, or with a food processor attachment. If using young cabbage, you can skip this step. In a large bowl, toss the cabbage with salt and massage it to soften it slightly. This will help it cook faster and more evenly.
- Add the other ingredients: Stir in the grated carrot, diced onion, apple slices, and chicken pieces.
- Season and mix: Sprinkle with cumin, black pepper, and any other desired spices. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Bake in a sleeve: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the mixture in a baking sleeve and secure both ends. If needed, gently toss the ingredients inside the sleeve to distribute them evenly.
- Bake and enjoy: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender-crisp. Carefully open the sleeve (watch out for steam!) and serve immediately.
Tips
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spice to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add an extra cup of cooked lentils or beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This baked cabbage recipe is a true game-changer. It’s healthy, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for a satisfying and light meal. So ditch the frying pan and give this delicious and nutritious dish a try!
