Discover the hidden gem in your kitchen: Cabbage, a vegetable that deserves more love. As a family that adores vegetables, we incorporate them into every meal. My husband enjoys adding kale to his morning oatmeal, our daughter delights in crafting Japanese cucumber salads for a post-school snack, and our dinner plates are always brimming with a variety of greens. Among the many vegetables we cherish, cabbage stands out as the most underappreciated. This unassuming vegetable boasts numerous virtues.

Firstly, a single cabbage head weighs a few pounds, allowing me to create multiple dishes from just one. Its longevity in the refrigerator is another advantage. After halving a cabbage, I store the unused portion in a resealable bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Although the cut surfaces may eventually turn brown, a quick trim removes this issue, and I can then cut it to suit the dish I'm preparing.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

Raw cabbage contributes a satisfying crunch to various dishes. I often prepare vegetables over the weekend to facilitate quick lunchtime salads. I prefer to slice the cabbage thinly, as it adds a pleasant texture and vibrant color (especially if I opt for red cabbage) to our salad bowls. Given that cabbage has a longer shelf life than most salad greens, I can easily whip up a slaw—be it creamy or tangy—to accompany our evening meals.

Cabbage has also become our go-to base for tacos, replacing lettuce on most occasions. While raw cabbage is a favorite, I find it even more appealing when cooked, particularly when roasted. A staple in our weeknight meal rotation is a sheet-pan dinner featuring roasted chicken sausages, potatoes, and cabbage wedges, all drizzled with a chive-mustard dressing. This dish is a hit with our tween daughter.

And let's not overlook the star of our plant-based meals, as cabbage steaks have taken center stage on our dinner plates—our favorite being Cabbage Steaks with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Cabbage also excels in stir-fries and fried rice, making it a versatile addition to our culinary repertoire.

Falling in love with cabbage is a delightful affair. Not only is it an economical choice, costing less than a dollar per pound at my local grocery store, but it also offers a wealth of health benefits. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins C and K, and red cabbage contains anthocyanins, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Additionally, it's a good source of isothiocyanates, a family of compounds that may help lower the risk of certain cancers.

Do you have a cabbage in your refrigerator? If not, I hope this has inspired you to add one to your next grocery list.

Cabbage: A Versatile and Nutritious Staple

Cabbage, often overlooked in favor of more glamorous vegetables, is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a place in every kitchen. Its versatility in the culinary world is matched only by its affordability and health benefits. Let's explore why this humble vegetable should be a staple in your diet.

Versatility in the Kitchen

Cabbage's adaptability makes it a chef's best friend. Whether raw or cooked, it can be incorporated into a wide array of dishes. Its ability to add crunch and color to salads is just the beginning. Cabbage's firm texture and mild flavor make it an excellent base for slaws, which can be dressed with a variety of sauces, from creamy to tangy, to suit any palate.

Longevity and Storage

One of the most practical aspects of cabbage is its longevity. A whole head can last for weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. By cutting the cabbage in half and placing the unused portion in a resealable bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture, you can extend its freshness. This means less waste and more opportunities to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.

Cabbage in Main Dishes

Cabbage is not just a side dish; it can be the star of the show. Our family enjoys sheet-pan dinners with roasted chicken sausages, potatoes, and cabbage wedges, all drizzled with a flavorful chive-mustard dressing. This meal is a favorite, especially among our younger family members.

Plant-Based Delights

For those who follow a plant-based diet, cabbage steaks are a delicious and satisfying option. Served with a rich Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, these cabbage steaks are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Cabbage in Asian Cuisine

Cabbage's crunchy texture and mild flavor make it a perfect addition to Asian dishes like stir-fries and fried rice. Its ability to absorb the flavors of sauces and spices without overpowering them makes it a versatile ingredient in this cuisine.

Health Benefits of Cabbage

Beyond its culinary uses, cabbage is a nutritional treasure trove. It is rich in vitamins C and K, which are essential for a healthy immune system and bone health, respectively. Red cabbage, in particular, contains anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cabbage is a good source of isothiocyanates, compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Affordability and Accessibility

Cabbage is not only nutritious but also budget-friendly. At less than a dollar per pound, it is an accessible vegetable that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of income. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for those looking to eat healthily without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

With its versatility, nutritional benefits, and affordability, there's no reason not to have a head of cabbage in your refrigerator. Whether you're a vegetarian, a health-conscious eater, or simply someone looking for a new ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen, cabbage is a vegetable that should not be overlooked. Next time you're at the grocery store, consider adding a cabbage to your cart and discover the many delicious ways to enjoy this underrated gem.