Cabbage Casserole
Cabbage Casserole Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Haiti
Introduction
Cabbage casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of cabbage with a creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy cracker topping. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
History
Cabbage casserole has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Cabbage is a versatile and affordable vegetable that has been a staple in many traditional recipes. The combination of cabbage with a creamy sauce and crunchy topping is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
- Cook the cabbage in boiling water for 7 minutes.
- Cook the onion slices in boiling salted water until tender.
- Place a layer of cabbage in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish, followed by a layer of onions, and a layer of cheese cracker crumbs.
- Dot with 0.5 cup of butter.
- Make a sauce with the remaining butter, flour, salt, and milk.
- Combine the sauce with mushroom soup and pour it over the top.
- Sprinkle with 0.5 cup of reserved cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Variations
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier version of the dish.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the cabbage and onions until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking them can result in a mushy texture.
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat margarine.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to add extra flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cabbage casserole as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. It pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the cabbage and onions until tender before assembling the casserole.
- Make a roux with flour and butter to create a creamy sauce for the dish.
- Bake the casserole in the oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable broth or stock instead of milk for a dairy-free version of the dish.
- Substitute olive oil for margarine for a healthier fat option.
- Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the cabbage casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the cabbage casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this cabbage casserole with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water or a fruity iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of the cabbage casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
380
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 9g
Fats
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 8g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 70% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Alergens
Contains: Milk, Wheat
Summary
This cabbage casserole is a rich and creamy dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it may not be suitable for those with dairy or wheat allergies.
Summary
Cabbage casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of cabbage, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy cracker topping for a satisfying and hearty meal. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Cabbage Casserole. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Oakdale. My mother had sent me to the market to pick up some fresh vegetables for dinner, and as I wandered through the stalls, I came across a wrinkled old woman selling cabbages.
I struck up a conversation with her, and she told me that she had a special recipe for cabbage casserole that had been passed down through her family for generations. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and after much persuasion, she finally relented. She wrote down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper, and I tucked it away in my pocket, eager to try it out.
That evening, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the cabbage and cooked the ground beef, the aroma of the dish filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally ready, I scooped out a generous portion onto my plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect blend of savory and sweet, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.
I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family, and as they sat down to dinner that night, I proudly presented them with my creation. They took their first bites, their faces lighting up with delight, and I knew that I had struck culinary gold. From that day on, Cabbage Casserole became a staple in our household, a beloved dish that brought us together around the dinner table.
Over the years, I have refined the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have added a pinch of this and a dash of that, until it became a true reflection of my own culinary style. But I will never forget that wrinkled old woman at the market, who first introduced me to the magic of Cabbage Casserole.
As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed the recipe down to my daughter, who in turn shared it with her children. Now, whenever we gather for a family meal, Cabbage Casserole is always on the menu, a comforting reminder of the generations that have come before us.
I often think about that old woman at the market, and wonder about the stories behind her recipe. Was it handed down from her grandmother, who learned it from a traveling chef? Or did she stumble upon it by accident, experimenting in her own kitchen late one night?
I may never know the answers to these questions, but one thing is certain - I am grateful for the gift she gave me that day. The gift of a simple, delicious recipe that has brought joy and warmth to my family for years.
So as I stand in my kitchen now, preparing another batch of Cabbage Casserole for my loved ones, I can't help but smile. For in this humble dish, I have found not just a recipe, but a connection to the past, a link to the generations that have come before me. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Categories
| Cabbage Recipes | Canned Mushroom Soup Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Cracker Crumb Recipes | Haitian Recipes | Haitian Vegetarian | Milk And Cream Recipes | Onion Recipes |